Cornelian Cherry. (Cornus mas). The berries of several dogwood
species are edible, but those of the Cornelian cherry have the longest
history as a food. Called corner plums in England this tree's scarlet
berries were once used to make preserves, tarts, drinks, and were even
packed in brine to be used like olives. Additionally, the Cornelian cherry
has exceedingly hard wood that gives more heat than most firewoods and is
said to have been used to build the Trojan horse of antiquity. Its bark
yields the red dye used for the traditional Turkish fez and the berries of
a dwarf form of it (Cornus sueica) were believed by the Scottish
Highlanders to create appetite, inspiring them to name the plant
Lus-a-chraoisd, Gaelic for “plant of gluttony.” Like all species of
dogwood Cornus florida was used as a substitute for quinine).
A small tree or shrub native to Eurasia, the Cornelian cherry is a
handsome ornamental and stands air pollution better than most plants. Its
berries are about 5/8 inch long and acid, but make good preserves. The
tree’s main fault is its slow-growing habit; it can take 10 to 15 years to
produce fruit if grown from seed or cuttings. Like all dogwoods, it
prefers acid soil and a sheltered, moist site. I mention it here mainly
because some gardeners may have an old specimen on their grounds without
knowing the value of its fruit.
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