About Cornus mas L.
Cornus mas L. is a medium to large deciduous shrub or small tree that grows 5 to 12 meters tall. It has dark brown branches and greenish twigs. Its leaves are arranged oppositely, measure 4 to 10 cm long and 2 to 4 cm broad, have an ovate to oblong shape, and feature smooth entire margins. The species produces small flowers 5 to 10 mm in diameter, each with four yellow petals. Flowers grow in clusters of 10 to 25, and bloom in late winter (between February and March in the UK), appearing long before new leaves emerge. The fruit is an oblong red drupe 2 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter, which contains a single seed.
Cornus mas L. is not native to the British Isles. In 1548, William Turner had only heard of the plant, but by 1551 he learned of one specimen growing at Hampton Court Palace. Botanist John Gerard noted the species was grown in the gardens of "such as love rare and dainty plants". Widespread appreciation for its early bright acid-yellow flowers developed largely in the 20th century.
