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. 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.