In a garden diary entry of March 31, 1774, Thomas Jefferson recorded the planting of four "Ciriege Corniole" or Cornelian Cherry trees along with sixteen other varieties of fruit trees and vegetables.
The Cornelian Cherry is a native to southern Europe and western Asia and has been cultivated since ancient times for the fruit, which is excellent for preserves and syrup. However, by the nineteenth century, the use of this fruit was already in decline, and it wasn't until the twentieth century that gardeners appreciated its ornamental features (a winter flower display and attractive red fruits in late summer).
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Cornelian Cherry.
Typical Blooming Dates: March—April
Blossom Color(s): Yellow
Location at Monticello: Formerly at the western end of Monticello's Vegetable Garden; still cultivated at our Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
