Dogwood, Corneliancherry ‘Golden Glory’

Cornelian cherry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to central and southern Europe into western Asia. It typically grows over time to 15-25′ tall with a spread to 12-20′ wide. Scaly, exfoliating bark develops on mature trunks. Yellow flowers on short stalks bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge in dense, showy, rounded clusters (umbels to 3/4″ wide). Each umbel is surrounded at the base by small, yellowish, petaloid bracts. Ovate to elliptic dark green leaves (to 4″ long) typically develop insignificant fall color.

Common name refers to the cherry-like fruits which resemble in color the semi-precious gemstone carnelian. They are ellipsoid, fleshy, one-seeded berries (drupes to 5/8″ long) which mature to cherry red in mid-summer. Fruits are edible, although sour tasting fresh off the plant. Fruits may be used for making syrups and preserves.

‘Golden Glory’ typically grows 15-20′ (infrequently to 25′) tall, and is somewhat more erect in appearance and more vigorous than the species. Can be trained as a small tree by removal of suckers and lower branches. It typically flowers more abundantly than the species

Cornus mas is noted for having excellent resistance to dogwood anthracnose and dogwood borer. When properly grown, this dogwood usually has few insect or disease problems.