Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda Dogwood)

A spectacular specimen tree in the landscape, Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda Dogwood) is a small deciduous tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub with beautifully layered horizontal branches. The young stems are deep purplish brown and bear alternate, ovate, dark green leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm). The foliage may turn reddish-purple in the fall.

A spectacular specimen tree in the landscape, Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda Dogwood) is a small deciduous tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub with beautifully layered horizontal branches. The young stems are deep purplish brown and bear alternate, ovate, dark green leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm). The foliage may turn reddish-purple in the fall. In late spring to early summer, small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear in flattened clusters and provide a great floral show. The blossoms give way to blue-black berries in late summer, which persist into fall unless devoured by hungry grouse, pheasants, wild turkeys, and squirrels. Their rich coral fruit stalks persist after the berries are gone, and are quite ornamental. Perfect for moist, acid, well-drained soils, Pagoda Dogwood performs best in cool summer climates where it makes a wonderful focal point in the landscape.

  • Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (450-750 cm) and 20-30 ft. wide (600-900 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade in acidic, organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun, but some afternoon shade is welcomed in hot summer areas. Pagoda Dogwood is tolerant of poor soils and clay.
  • Keep an eye out for leaf spots, twig and leaf blights, root rot, and canker. Deer resistant.
  • Great choice as a specimen, in lawns, shrub borders, or foundation plantings.
  • Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings.
  • Native to Eastern North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Cornus – Dogwoods
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 15'
– 25'
(4.5m
– 7.5m)
Spread 20'
– 30'
(6m
– 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden