Cornus Alternifolia Chocolate Chip

Chocolate Chip Pagoda Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus alternifolia ‘Chocolate Chip’

Overview
A compact selection of pagoda dogwood prized for its rich chocolate-purple new growth that matures to deep green, layered branching, and refined horizontal form. Small creamy-white spring flowers appear above the foliage, followed by blue-black berries on red stems. Its restrained size and elegant structure make ‘Chocolate Chip’ ideal for smaller landscapes and woodland settings.

Size



Width: 8–10 ft



Height: 8–10 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 4a–8b



Light



Partial shade preferred



Morning sun with afternoon shade ideal; tolerates full shade



Avoid hot, direct afternoon sun



Soil



Well-drained soils; prefers moist, organic-rich loam



Slightly acidic to neutral pH



Avoid dry or poorly drained sites



Attracts



Birds (berries)



Pollinators (spring flowers)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



Thrives in woodland gardens and sheltered sites



Allow space to highlight its horizontal, tiered branching



Notes



Shape: Layered, horizontal branching with a refined, architectural form



Dark foliage provides strong contrast in shaded plantings



Excellent specimen or understory tree



Minimal pruning required; remove dead or crossing branches only

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

8-10'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Fall

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green, Rosewood

Fall color

Burgandy

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Spreading

Drought tolerant

No