Syn.: Cornus mascula Zorn, Cornus vernalis Salisb., Macrocarpinus mas (L.) Nakai
Family: Cornaceae Dum.
Distribution: Southern and Central Europe, Ukraine, Caucasus, Southwestern Asia.
Habitat: Grows on bushy slopes and edges of woods, from lowlands to foothills.
Description: Shrub or small tree, 2–6 m high. The leaves are shortly petiolate, opposite, ovate to elliptic. The flowers are yellow, flowers before leaves unfold – from March to April. The fruit is an oblong-ovoid red drupe.
Use: Cultivated in the parks and gardens, the fruits are used medicinally.
Endangering and Protection: The Cornelian Cherry is a protected in some countries (CZ).
Photos: from 22. 4. 2006 (Czechia, Pavlovské vrchy, Sirotčí hrádek) to 30. 9. 2006 (Brno, Kamenný vrch).
