An intriguing plant! A member of the Dogwood family, the fruit was apparently very popular amongst ancient Romans. Currently cultivated in some of the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The dense hard wood was used to make spears, javelins and bows in ancient Greece. The fruit ripens red during mid- to late summer. Tastes like a sour cherry, hence the name. Great raw, or made into preserves or fruit leather. Seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Fruits best in full sun. Flowers open in early spring, before or near forsythias, making it an excellent early nectar source for pollinators. We are very excited to offer seedlings of this uncommon plant. Self fertile, benefits from having another Cornelian Cherry nearby for cross pollination.