cornelian-cherry

The bright yellow flowers of cornelian-cherry (actually a dogwood and not a cherry at all) appear in earliest spring, brightening the landscape before forsythia comes into bloom. This large shrub up to 20 feet tall over time, native to central and southern Europe and western Asia, is easily grown in rich, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Flowers are borne in tight clusters along the branches before the leaves emerge. The shrub forms a large green mound in summer, usually with no appreciable fall color, perhaps a tinge of purple or red. Showy, cherry-red fruits appear in summer, often in abundance, and can be used for making syrups and preserves.