How big does Cornelian cherry grow?

About 3 m × 2.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 3–8 m × 3–6 m.

What soil does Cornelian cherry grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous, sandy.

Is Cornelian cherry hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Cornelian cherry toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

How far from the house should Cornelian cherry be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Cornelian cherry flower?

Flowering: February–April, yellow.

How much water does Cornelian cherry need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Cornelian cherry cost?

It sells for roughly €14 to €63 in local shops, depending on size.

Cornelian cherry

Cornus mas

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a fruit plant that reaches 3 m × 2.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €14.

Illustration of Cornelian cherry — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slow-growing, long-lived large shrub or small tree that covers itself in tiny yellow flowers at the end of winter, before the leaves, and is one of the first foods for bees. Its red, tart fruits ripen from late summer into autumn and make excellent jam and syrup; a single bush will fruit on its own, but two different varieties or seedlings side by side crop much better. It copes with chalky soil, heat and drought, just not with waterlogging, and it can also be clipped as a hedge.

Watch out for

It has few problems. It hardly grows in the first two or three years after planting, and seed-raised plants take many years to start fruiting (grafted varieties are much quicker). The fruit ripens and drops over several weeks rather than all at once, which is messy over paving. It sometimes sends up suckers from the base, which are best removed.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D February–April, yellow

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	3–8 m × 3–6 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	February–April, yellow
Harvest	August–October
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	300 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €14

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-50 cm	approx. €15
100-120 cm	approx. €40
size not stated	approx. €15 – €63

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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