Cornelian Cherry Tree Seeds | Cornelian Cherry Dogwood | (Cornus mas)
Cornelian Cherry Tree Seeds | Cornelian Cherry Dogwood | (Cornus mas)
Early blooms, vivid fruit, and four-season charm.
Cornus mas, known as the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, is a small ornamental tree or large shrub admired for its early yellow blossoms, glossy red fruit, and smooth, exfoliating bark. One of the first trees to flower each spring, it brightens the late-winter landscape with clusters of golden blooms that attract pollinators before most plants have awakened.
Native to southern Europe and western Asia, the Cornelian Cherry is hardy, adaptable, and long-lived. Its edible, cherry-like fruit is prized for preserves, syrups, and liqueurs, while its dense wood and showy foliage make it a standout for home gardens and wildlife habitats alike.
Why Grow Cornelian Cherry Dogwood?
- Blooms in late winter to early spring when few other trees flower
- Produces bright red, tart fruit loved by birds and ideal for jams
- Beautiful year-round—yellow blooms, green foliage, red berries, and mottled bark
- Excellent ornamental for hedges, pollinator gardens, and edible landscapes
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Cornus mas
- Common Name: Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
- Germination Rate: 82%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Pennsylvania, USA
- Stratification: Warm (120 days) + Cold (90 days)
- USDA Zones: 4–8
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay and loam
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 15–25 ft tall × 12–20 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate (1–2 ft per year)
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, or 50 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Early flowers provide critical nectar for honeybees and native pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.
- Fruits are a favorite of songbirds, waxwings, and small mammals during late summer.
- Dense growth offers shelter and nesting cover for wrens, cardinals, and finches.
Fun Facts
- Cornelian Cherry has been cultivated for over 7,000 years—the fruit was once a delicacy in ancient Greece and Rome.
- The hard, dense wood was used for tool handles and spears, prized for its incredible durability.
- In Eastern Europe, Cornelian Cherry fruit is used to make traditional cordials and fermented beverages.
Evergreen Seed Co. provides premium, high-germination Cornelian Cherry Dogwood seeds, carefully sourced and tested for quality. Each order includes complete germination instructions to help you grow this early-blooming favorite with confidence.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
