We continue our series highlighting trees that work for gardens in Edmonds. It’s presented by Barbara Chase of the Edmonds Tree Board.
One of the earliest of the dogwood family to bloom is cornus mas, Cornelian cherry. You can see beautiful examples of this tree at the Edmonds Center for the Arts or just north of the Senior Center near the waterfront. They are in full bloom.
Of all the dogwoods, Cornelian cherry is the most free from pests and diseases. It tends to grow as a large shrub but pruning up the limbs will help it grow into a tree for the landscape. Reddish fall color and red fall fruit add to its unique charm.
After planting. use a 3- to 4-inch mulch around the tree, being careful to keep the mulch away from the trunk. In the first years keep well-watered. As it matures, it becomes quite drought resistant. Plant in sun or partial sun for best flowering.
Cornelian cherry is a great all-season tree that grows in many types of soil.
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