Cornelian Cherry (Pioneer)

Description

A proven Ukrainian selection, prized for its large, pear-shaped, deep-red fruit, rich tart-sweet flavor, and heavy yields. It ripens late summer (2 weeks earlier than ‘Elegant’), and the pit slips more easily when fully ripe—perfect for jam, juice, or wine. The plant doubles as an ornamental, with showy yellow flowers in very early spring and handsome, dense branching.

Hardy roughly to Zone 4–8, ‘Pioneer’ grows as a compact small tree or big shrub (often 10–15 ft, easily kept smaller). It is partially self-fertile, but you’ll get noticeably larger crops with a second Cornus mas cultivar nearby.