The Daily Bulletin

The cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is a small tree that is used in local landscapes as ornamental specimens and hedgerows. One of the first trees to flower in the spring, this tree is certainly in the right place at the right time. Its yellow flowers emerge in mid to late March as the snow and ice are finally melting, letting us know spring is in the air.

Not a true cherry, it is a dogwood whose fruit is a football-shaped drupe that ripens to a cherry red in mid to late summer—if the birds do not eat them first. The cornelian cherry is native to Europe and western Asia, where the fruit is used to make syrup and preserves and is fermented into an alcoholic beverage.

The leaves are glossy green in spring and summer, turning purplish in the fall before dropping. The bark is exfoliating and flaky and is especially attractive in the winter.

This tree is located on the west side of Butler Library, in the raised planter bed.

Information courtesy of Steve Sypniewski, Buffalo State arboretum manager.