Cornelian Cherry or Forsythia?

A focus on two species whose flowers appear before their foliage, signaling the end of winter
Spring is finally showing its face, and with it, the great floral battle that shakes our gardens and traditions every year: Cornus mas vs Forsythia: which to choose?

Yellow to Herald Spring!

On one side, we have the Forsythia, an ornamental species (with numerous cultivars and hybrids), a true garden star, omnipresent in hedges and public parks. Its main selling point? An explosive, bright yellow bloom that clearly signals winter can pack its bags.

On the other hand, there’s the Cornelian cherry or Cornus mas for those in the know. It embodies discreet elegance, subtle refinement. Its golden-yellow flowers appear even before spring arrives. What’s more, in autumn, it graces us with small, red, edible fruits, ideal for jams and a feast for hungry birds.

So, Which to Choose?

As you will have understood: PlantC advocates for native species in developments promoting biodiversity. We therefore favor the choice of Cornus mas. But why plant it?

The Cornelian cherry is a native species:
Promoting native species means choosing sustainable plantings that are beneficial for biodiversity and adapted to their environment, rather than a purely aesthetic approach that can have negative ecological consequences.

It flowers earlier:
The Cornus mas already brightens winter with its small golden stars.

It produces fruit:
And not just any fruit: Cornelian cherries, small red berries rich in vitamin C, which can be made into jam, syrup, or even liqueur. Forsythia, on the other hand, produces nothing but despair when pruned.

Common point with Forsythia:
It attracts bees: a true feast for our pollinators as soon as winter ends.

If you like fleeting fireworks, then Forsythia is for you.
But if you prefer discreet elegance, utility, and longevity, then Cornus mas is THE true champion of spring’s arrival.