Baugh, James C.
Cornus alternifolia L. f.
Alternateleaf dogwood, Alternate-leaf dogwood, Pagoda dogwood
Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)
Shrub or small
tree with short trunk and flat-topped, spreading crown of long, horizontal branches. Alternate-leaf dogwood or pogoda dogwood is a
deciduous shrub or small
tree, 20-35 ft. tall, with decidedly horizontal branching. Branch ends are upturned.
Bark and twigs are green to reddish-purple. Wide, flat-topped clusters of fragrant, white-cream flowers become clusters of reddish-purple berries. Fall foliage is a dull maroon.
Unlike all other
native dogwoods, this species has
alternate rather than
opposite leaves. The name Pagoda Dogwood alludes to the flat-topped crown, with horizontal layers of branches. The bitter berrylike fruits of this and other dogwoods are consumed in quantities in fall and winter by wildlife.
The genus Cornus is Latin for a horn.
Image Gallery:
3 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf: Dark Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Black, Blue
Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI
Canada: MB ,
NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC Native Distribution: Nf. to MN & s. Man., s. to n. FL, AL & AR
Native Habitat: Rich,
deciduous & mixed woods; rocky slopes; coastal plains;
shrub balds
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Cool, moist, acid, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: This
tree has infrequent disease and insect problems, however wind and ice damage are common. It is tolerant of poor soils and clay.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Attracts ground, water and songbirds and many mammals. The dry, bitter fruits are not edible by human standards, but they provide food for grouse, pheasants, wild turkeys and squirrels. (Kershaw)
Use Other: The roots, mixed with vinegar, yield a light to dark brown dye. (Kershaw)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Spring Azure
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Cornus alternifolia is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2012-10-05
