Japanese Cornelian cherry
Cornus officinalis

Family: Cornaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub or tree. It grows 4-10 m high and spreads 4-6 m wide. The bark is flaky brown. The leaves are narrowly oval and 12 cm long. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are bright red when fully ripe. They are 1-1.5 cm across.

The fruit are used in medicine. There are about 45 Cornus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on mountains, slopes, forest margins, forests between 400-1500 (-2100) m in China. It can tolerate frost. It can grow in alkaline soils as well as clay soils. In can grow in sun or light shade. It suits hardiness zones 6-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Japan (country/location of origin), Korea

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh when fully ripe. Fruit can be dried for later use. They are also used for making a liqueur like drink.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. It can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Cornel cherry, Japanese cornel, Sanshuyu, Shan zhu yu

Synonyms

Macrocarpium officinale (Siebold & Zuccarini) Nakai;