Alternate-leaved Dogwood
Cornus alternifolia
Also listed as Swida alternifolia, Bothrocaryum alternifolium
Also known as Pagoda Dogwood, Green Osier
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous understory tree with distinctive horizontal branching and alternate leaves that provide elegant tiered structure. Small white flowers appear in spring, followed by blue-black berries and attractive reddish fall foliage.
Why grow it
Alternate-leaved dogwood offers a distinctly refined branching structure compared to other native dogwoods, with horizontal tiers that provide architectural interest year-round. Its tolerance for partial shade and moist soils makes it useful in understory plantings where many shrubby dogwoods would require more light. The combination of spring flowers, summer berries attractive to birds, and reliable fall color provides multi-season value in temperate gardens without requiring special fertilization or amendments.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistent moisture and may struggle in extended dry periods without supplemental watering during establishment. Growth can be slow, particularly in the first few years, so patience is needed before the characteristic horizontal form becomes apparent. Overly wet or poorly drained sites may promote fungal issues, so site selection with adequate air circulation is worthwhile.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cornaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous understory tree with distinctive horizontal branching and alternate leaves that provide elegant tiered structure. Small white flowers appear in spring, followed by blue-black berries and attractive reddish fall foliage.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Alternate-leaved Dogwood grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Alternate-leaved dogwood offers a distinctly refined branching structure compared to other native dogwoods, with horizontal tiers that provide architectural interest year-round. Its tolerance for partial shade and moist soils makes it useful in understory plantings where many shrubby dogwoods would require more light. The combination of spring flowers, summer berries attractive to birds, and reliable fall color provides multi-season value in temperate gardens without requiring special fertilization or amendments.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistent moisture and may struggle in extended dry periods without supplemental watering during establishment. Growth can be slow, particularly in the first few years, so patience is needed before the characteristic horizontal form becomes apparent. Overly wet or poorly drained sites may promote fungal issues, so site selection with adequate air circulation is worthwhile.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cornaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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