Cornelian Cherry
An ancient plant 
In the spring, the Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) blooms in our forests with small yellow flowers clustered here and there in inflorescences on still bare branches.
clustered here and there in inflorescences on still bare branches.The Cornelian cherry can be found in clearings and at the edges of deciduous forests, both in the plains and in the mid-mountain areas.
Its fruits ripen gradually in late summer, and their decorative effect is remarkable: in fact, you can find fruits of all shades on the same plant, from green to bright red.
The Cornelian cherry plays an important role for pollinators 
: its small yellow flowers provide pollen and nectar already in the early months of the year. Furthermore, in late summer, its fruits are an important source of food for birds.
: its small yellow flowers provide pollen and nectar already in the early months of the year. Furthermore, in late summer, its fruits are an important source of food for birds.
Did you know? 
Ancient Persians, Greeks and Romans used the hard wood of the Cornelian cherry to make javelin shafts, spears, and arrows 
, and attributed medicinal properties to its fruits.
, and attributed medicinal properties to its fruits.#LIFEprogramme #LIFEproject #EUpollinators #Natura2000
#Cornus #cornelian #pollinators #bees
Photo Pixabay
