Monticello Gardens

Common name: Cornelian cherry

Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood)

Distribution: Europe, western Asia

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental

Comments: On March 31, 1774, Jefferson recorded in his garden diary planting four "Ciriege Corniole" or Cornelian Cherries, and sixteen other varieties of fruit trees and vegetables. The Cornelian Cherry is a native to southern Europe and western Asia, and has been cultivated since ancient times for the fruit it produces. Excellent for preserves and syrup, the fruit of this plant can be harvested in early summer.