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Cornus Alternifolia

Alternate-leaved Dogwood, Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia is a moderately growing deciduous tree or multibranched large shrub in spreading growth habit. It displays round clusters of small white flowers in late spring through early summer. After mid summer,it bears small cream turning dark purple black fruits when ripen on showy dark rosy-red stalks. Fruits are edible to birds and flowers are nectar source of butterflies. Lustrous, rounded oval leaves with pointed tip are medium green slightly yellow-green and arranged alternate on the stems. Smooth gray trunks enhance the dark purple-brown young twigs and branches. Easily grown in partial shade to partial sun conditions in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It can be used as an accent in a mixed border, foundation plant and lawn specimen.

Plant type
Deciduous Tree
Height
18-22'
Width
16'-20'
Hardiness zones
4–8
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom time
Early Summer, Late Spring
Flower color
White
Leaf color
Green
Attracts
Butterflies
Soil
Clay
Landscape use
Specimen
Shape
Spreading
Bark
Smooth
Fruit
No
Fragrant
Yes
Deer resistant
Yes
Salt tolerant
No
Drought tolerant
No