Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Cornus mas
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun. Best used as multi-stem.
medium water15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: "Cornus mas" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Cornus mas" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: (c) Thomas Dreux, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: "Cornus mas 25092005" is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: "Fruits of Cornus mas" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: B.navez
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Dry shade under conifers
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Fall color
- Red, purple
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cornelian Cherry Dogwood good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood need?
- Give Cornelian Cherry Dogwood about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood grow into?
- Cornelian Cherry Dogwood typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Cornelian Cherry Dogwood hardy on the Front Range?
- Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood grow?
- Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood live?
- Cornelian Cherry Dogwood has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood turn in fall?
- Cornelian Cherry Dogwood turns red and purple in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Cornelian Cherry Dogwood native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Cornelian Cherry Dogwood deer-resistant?
- No. Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
