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Alternate Leaved Dogwood

Alternate Leaved Dogwood

Alternate Leaved Dogwood

(Pagoda Dogwood)

Cornus Alternifolia

This attractive, small understory tree has a more northerly natural range than the Flowering Dogwood extending into New Brunswick. Clusters of white or cream coloured flowers adorn this small tree in spring. Dark blue berry-like fruits ripen in late summer attached to bright red stems. Leaves alternate instead of growing opposite which unusual for the dogwood genus. They turn a beautiful reddish-purple in fall. A hardier choice for planting in smaller gardens or in areas of partial shade which are subjected to harsh winters. The small fruits are enjoyed by birds and the flowers attract a variety of insects including bees. If planted in full sun, mulch the root zone in summer to protect shallow roots.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to New Brunswick, Native to North America

Height

Small (under 30ft)

Width

Narrow

Form

Multi Stemmed, Round

Growth Rate

Moderate

Longevity

Moderate (50 to 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

3, 4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Clay, Dry, Slightly Alkaline

Other Tolerances

Walnut Toxicity

Ornamental Interest

Flowers (attractive), Leaves (colour)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood)

Wildlife Value

Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterflies (flowers), Butterfly Larvae (leaves), Insect Pollinators (flowers), Large Mammals (fruits/seeds), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Seed Collection

Ordered Online

Planting Considerations

Intolerant of Drought, Intolerant of Road Salt, Intolerant of Urban Pollution, Shallow Roots, Tricky to Transplant