Trees of London: Identification of a Cornelian cherry tree in Lincoln's Inn Fields

Above: A Cornelian cherry tree
at Lincoln's Inn.

Trees of London
Lincoln's Inn Fields

Cornelian cherry

The Cornelian cherry tree is a member of the dogwood family which accounts for most shrub like plants. It is really more a bush than a tree, but usually has quite a distinctive trunk to make it resemble a small tree. It is very common in London, usually used to fill space along the outer railings of squares. Its most striking feature is its leaves which are quite leathery, for a deciduous tree at least, and have pronounced curved veins.

Pathway at Lincoln's Inn fields.
The cornelian cherry is the first tree along.

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Other Trees at Lincoln's Inn fields

Lincoln's Inn Index

Tree Identification
Cornus mas:
Leaf: opposite; veins: alternate; oval, markedly pointed at tip; slightly leathery or shiny.
nuts/fruit:		small, red; grow in pairs; with 2-seeded stone; look a bit like crab apples.
		Flowers: small yellow; grow in clusters; buds visible for most of the year.
		bark: flaky; grey/brown
shape:		small, grows to 8 metres; rounded; pretty.
general: usually planted on the outer rim of London squares as substitute for bushes.

Location
The second tree to the right of the path,
entering from the south entrance to the square.
yellow: John Soane's Museum.
orange: cornelian cherry tree.