Wood Atlas - Xylarium

European Cornel

lat. Cornus mas

European Cornel



Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)The Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) likes warmer climates and tends to prefer more southerly climates in Europe. It is often found in parks in southern Germany. The trunk is just 6 to 8 inches across and the tree might reach 25 feet in height. Although called cherries, the fruits are not related to the usual cherry and are closer to coffee berries. Nevertheless, they are used to make delicious jams, jellies, fruit brandies and much more. The various parts of the Cornelian cherry are used extensively as a remedy for various ailments. The tannic acid in the bark makes it quite suitable for tanning leather.
The wood is extremely hard, heavy, and dense. It is the hardest and heaviest wood in Europe and it instantly sinks when thrown into water. Because of its great strength, it is often used in applications where stability is key, for example, as hammer and knife handles, gears in mills, spokes, or as a sculptor’s mallet. The knotty branches are also used as a particularly stable walking stick.


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