Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is a multi-stemmed, low-branching, round to oval, deciduous shrub or small tree which typically grows 15 to 25 feet tall. It features tiny, yellow, star-like flowers borne in umbels which appear in late winter to early spring before the foliage (similar to Forsythia). Flowers give way to tiny red drupes which mature in summer. Drupes are technically edible, but not particularly tasty and are infrequently harvested unless for use in syrups or jams. Drupes persist well into fall unless consumed earlier by birds. Deep green, oval leaves acquire an undistinguished, dull purple tinge in autumn. Attractive grayish brown bark exfoliates on mature branches.
