Overview of Cornus mas L.
Cornus mas L. is a deciduous plant that belongs to the family Cornaceae. It is commonly known as Cornelian Cherry, European Cornel, or simply Cornus. The plant is mainly grown for its edible fruit, which has a tart taste and is used in making jams, syrups, and alcoholic beverages. Cornelian Cherry is native to Europe and Western Asia but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.
General Appearance of Cornus mas L.
Cornelian Cherry is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 5-7 meters tall. The plant has a dense, bushy habit and produces clusters of small yellow flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. The fruit, which ripens in late summer or early fall, is a red, oval-shaped drupe that measures 1-2 cm in diameter. The fruit contains a single hard stone and has a sour taste when raw but turns sweeter when cooked.
Uses of Cornus mas L.
The fruit of Cornelian Cherry has been used for centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. In traditional medicine, the fruit has been used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and arthritis. Cornelian Cherry is also used in landscaping as a hedge or ornamental tree due to its attractive flowers and fruit.
Aside from its fruit, other parts of the plant are also used for various purposes. The bark of young stems and roots contain tannins and have been used to make dyes, while the wood is used for making tool handles and other small objects. The bark and leaves of Cornelian Cherry also contain compounds that have insecticidal properties and are used in controlling pests.
Light Requirements
Cornus mas L. thrives in full sunlight or partial shade. However, it produces more fruits in full sunlight than in partial shade. The tree prefers bright light in the early spring and moderate lighting afterward.
Temperature Requirements
Cornus mas L. is an adaptable plant that can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand extreme winter conditions of up to -20 °C but grows best in temperatures of around 18-25°C. In the summer, temperatures below 30°C are ideal for Cornus mas L. The plant requires a minimum of 150 frost-free days for maturity and full growth.
Soil Requirements
Cornus mas L. thrives in moist and well-drained soils that are moderately fertile. The ideal soil type should be loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging and requires good drainage to prevent root damages. Additionally, Cornus mas L. can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soil, as long as the soils are well-drained.
Cultivation Methods
Cornus mas L. is a hardy plant that is generally easy to cultivate. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded position in well-drained soil but can also adapt to heavier clay soil. When planting young shrubs, it is important to ensure that the planting hole is twice the size of the root ball and that the crown of the plant sits at ground level.
It is recommended to plant Cornus mas L. shrubs in the spring or autumn, when the soil is moist and temperatures are cooler to allow the plant to establish its roots. After planting, it is essential to water the plant thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the plant is established.
Watering Needs
Cornus mas L. requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to help establish and maintain good growth. Young plants are especially vulnerable to drought stress, and it is essential to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist for the first two years after planting. Once established, Cornus mas L. plants can tolerate periods of drought, but they will require more frequent watering during hot, dry spells or if grown in containers.
Fertilization
Cornus mas L. shrubs are light feeders and do not require much fertilization. However, a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to excessive growth, poor flowering, and weaker stems.
Pruning
Cornus mas L. is a relatively low maintenance shrub that requires minimal pruning. However, it is recommended to prune the shrub after flowering to remove any damaged or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. This will help to maintain a healthy and attractive shape and promote good airflow. Heavy pruning should be avoided as this can damage the shrub, leading to reduced flowering and growth.
Propagation of Cornus mas L.
Cornus mas L., commonly known as the Cornelian cherry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the dogwood family (Cornaceae). The plant is native to central and southern Europe, western Asia, and the Caucasus. It is an early bloomer, producing flowers in late winter or early spring before its leaves appear. Cornelian cherry fruits are edible and used to make jams, syrups, liqueurs, and other culinary products.
Propagation Methods
Cornus mas L. can be propagated through several methods, including:
Sowing Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagation is sowing seeds. Freshly harvested seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix in the fall or early winter, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds require a cold stratification period of 90-120 days to break dormancy. Once the seeds have germinated and produced new leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Cornelian cherry can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer, while hardwood cuttings should be taken in late fall or winter. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and made from healthy, disease-free branches. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix in a container or in the ground, and keep it well-watered and shaded until it develops new growth.
Suckers
Cornelian cherry produces suckers, which are shoots that grow from the roots or the base of the plant. Suckers can be separated from the parent plant in the fall or early spring when they have developed roots and new leaves. Dig around the sucker and gently separate it from the parent plant. Plant the sucker in a well-draining soil mix in a container or in the ground, and keep it well-watered until it establishes itself.
Propagation of Cornelian cherry through any of these methods can be successful with proper care and attention. The newly propagated plants will take a few years to develop into mature, fruit-bearing specimens.
Disease and Pest Management for Cornus mas L.
The Cornus mas L., commonly known as Cornelian cherry, is a deciduous flowering tree or shrub that is prone to a few diseases and pests. To keep the plant healthy and thriving, it is important to identify the symptoms of the diseases and pests and take appropriate measures to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the Cornus mas plant, causing small red spots that gradually grow larger and merge. The leaves may curl, become deformed or drop prematurely. The disease can spread rapidly in wet conditions.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, dark-brown spots on the leaves of the Cornus mas plant. The leaves may yellow and drop prematurely. This disease is more prevalent in warm and humid weather.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease is characterized by a powdery white substance on the surface of the leaves, flowers, and stems. The affected leaves may distort, curl, and drop prematurely.
Pest Management
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the Cornus mas plant, causing the leaves to curl and become distorted. A strong stream of water can dislodge the aphids, or insecticidal soap can be used to control them.
Scale insects: These insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the Cornus mas plant. They suck plant sap, causing the foliage to become yellowed and weakened. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used to control scale insects.
European fruit moth: The larvae of this moth feed on the fruits of the Cornus mas plant, causing them to become distorted and rot. Insecticidal spray can be used to control the European fruit moth.
In conclusion, regular inspection and monitoring of the Cornus mas plant is necessary to detect and manage diseases and pests early. Cultural practices such as proper watering, pruning, and fertilization can help the plant to resist disease and pest infestations.
