Cornelian Cherry – Pioneer

Description

Pioneer bears abundant crops of strikingly large, pear-shaped fruit. Up to 1-1/2″ long, the dark red, early ripening fruit is juicy, sweet, and aromatic.

A unique and attractive form of Dogwood, Cornelian Cherry is native to Ukraine and other regions around the Black Sea. Growing as a shrub or small tree, it is valued for its tasty fruit and for its ornamental value. Our unique Ukrainian varieties produce unusually large, sweet, and flavourful fruit. As an ornamental, Cornelian Cherry is prized for its very early, delicate flowers appearing in early March before the leaves, its yellow and red fall color, and it’s bright, red fruit, which taste like a Cherry or a wild Plum. Cornelian Cherry is good for fresh eating, preserves, juice, and wine.

Latin Name: Cornus mas
Site and Soil: Cornelian Cherry likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Plant two varieties for cross-pollination and to ensure good crops.
Hardiness: Zone 4.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 8-10 ft.
Bloom Time: February
Ripening Time: Late August-Early September
Yield: 30-40 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: No pest problems have been observed on our Cornelian Cherry plants. Dogwood Anthracnose can cause black spots to appear on the leaves of some varieties during wet springs. Once the rainy weather stops, the new leaves are not affected. A copper spray in the spring and early summer should help control it. Removal of old leaves in the fall is also helpful.
USDA Zone: 4