Green Ridge Tree Farm Newsletter
December 31, 2009

Winter is setting in and we are all ready to stop, take a break, and recollect our thoughts for the upcoming spring rush.  However, as the season progresses and cold, cloudy days become continuous most will begin to get the “itch” for a sign that life will again spring forth with flowering plants and green leaves.

Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas ‘Golden Glory’) is one of the first plants to break the winter monotony.  Around March, just as the temperatures begin to warm, bright yellow flowers (perhaps they appear brighter given the time of year) absolutely cover the branch tips.  The flowers do not take on the same form of our native flowering dogwood, but are more reminiscent of the shrub dogwoods that are used for their stem color.  Frost and freeze do not affect the longevity or quality of flowers either.

Later in the season the dark green leaves unfurl and remain attractive for the rest of the growing season.  Tucked among them red 1” fruit develop in mid summer.  While not overpowering, they are a nice addition to the garden.  Plus the fruit are edible and quite tasty if they are caught falling from the tree.  Any sooner results in a rather tart treat.

The leaves will drop in the fall with a minimal display of yellows and browns.  It is nothing to write home about, but a necessary action bringing the beautiful exfoliating bark to center stage.  As the plant ages, the trunk begins to flake revealing a patchwork of cinnamon and creamy bark.  This display is effective during the growing season when the plant is limbed up, but winter is really the time for this characteristic to shine.

Given the height and spread of 15’ to 20’, Golden Glory is not a small factor in the garden.  It is best used as a specimen plant where it will fit the bill extraordinarily well, or in mass plantings as a loose screen.  Either way, this harbinger of spring will certainly be a welcome addition to any garden.

Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry has received several garden awards, including Kentucky’s own Theodore Klein Plant Award in 2003.