Cornus mas Florianka - European Cornel

Cornus mas 'Florianka' is a Polish variety selected at the Bolestraszyce arboretum for its vigour and large red fruits. This small, wide tree offers a decorative and nectar-rich yellow flowering from the end of winter, followed by oval, bright red cornels that are harvested in mid-September over a short period. They weigh an average of 3.4 grams, measure about 2 cm, and have a tangy flavour (10% sugar). Cornus mas is a beautiful and easy-to-grow bush. It does not mind harsh winters, hot summers, or chalky soils! To fulfil its potential, this fruiting variety should not lack water before early summer.

Cornus mas is native to Europe. Like all Cornus, it belongs to the Cornaceae family. It is a spreading shrub that reaches 3 to 5 metres high at maturity, with an equal spread. It thrives in sunlight and is not demanding: it grows very well in chalky, ordinary, or even poor soil, but also tolerates slightly more acidic soils.

Its bright yellow flowers appear in February-March, before the leaves, in the form of numerous small umbels which are not damaged by frost. Its deciduous leaves are ovate, 4 to 10 cm long, and arranged opposite each other on its square-sectioned branches. They are slightly wavy. Its fruiting occurs in late summer, in September, in the form of elongated drupes of variable colour depending on the selections. They are edible with a tangy or sweet flavour.

In the kitchen:

Cornels are naturally rich in vitamin C, minerals, and pectin. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried, similar to goji berries. They are used in compotes mixed with cranberries and pears to accompany game dishes. They can also be frozen. These fruits also make a delicious syrup with high vitamin content. They have been used for centuries to make jams, jellies, and compotes. It is usually necessary to add sugar.

Cornus mas is also known for its dense and very hard wood used in the past to make arrows, javelins, tool handles or walking sticks.

This is a very easy shrub to use in the garden. It tolerates pruning and can be used as an informal or trimmed hedge, or even as a standalone plant. It easily pairs with other shrubs with spring flowering, such as Japanese Quinces or Korean White Forsythia. It is ornamental, but also appreciated for its ecological interest: its early flowering provides food for the first bees and other pollinators, and its fruits are loved by birds.