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shrub layer

cornelian cherry

cornus mas

one of the first shrubs to flower — a haze of yellow before the leaves — then tart red drupes for syrup and sauce. an early-season lifeline for pollinators.

functions

food cropwildlife habitatpollinator forage

light

part shade

moisture

moderate

soil

any but waterlogged

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grower's notes

members

propagation, guild role, and deeper ecology for cornelian cherry — the members' view.

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the takeaway

start a guild around cornelian cherry

plant these together and the relationships on this page start working for you — feeders, protectors, and cover, layer by layer.

shrub
cornelian cherry — the anchor
shrub
hazel