Saffron Sentinel® Saffron Sentinel® Cornelian Cherry

Saffron Sentinel® is the trade name for the Cornus mas selection ‘JFS PN4Legacy’. This columnar Cornelian cherry has bright yellow flowers on bare winter branches, red fruit, and dark green leaves that turn deep reddish purple in fall. ## Landscape Use and Seasonal Interest Use this narrow, upright tree where a small footprint and early flowers are useful. The J. Frank Schmidt profile lists a mature height of 22 feet and a spread of 12 feet; fruit ripens in late summer to early fall, and autumn foliage turns dark reddish purple. ## Size and Siting The source lists USDA zone 4. Cornus mas grows in sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil; the general species profile also notes rich soil. The cultivar’s bright yellow flowers appear before the leaves emerge. ## Soil and Water Water during establishment and during extended dry weather. Leave room for the columnar crown and avoid placing the trunk where runoff keeps the soil saturated. ## Maintenance Cornus mas may produce suckers, so remove unwanted shoots when they appear, especially when maintaining a clear tree form. The red fruit is tart and edible. [J. Frank Schmidt’s exact cultivar profile](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/saffron-sentinel-cornelian-cherry/) confirms the cultivar identity, zone, dimensions, flower and foliage colors, and fruit timing; [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cornus-mas/) describes the broader species’ siting and sucker growth.