CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA / PAGODA DOGWOOD

CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA / PAGODA DOGWOOD

A Graceful Native Tree with Tiered Branches and Seasonal Interest

Cornus alternifolia, commonly known as Pagoda Dogwood, is a native deciduous tree admired for its horizontal, tiered branching, glossy green leaves, and clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring. Thriving in partial to full shade with well-drained soils, Pagoda Dogwood adds architectural interest, spring blooms, and ecological benefits to woodland gardens, naturalized landscapes, and shaded borders. Its berries attract birds, while the tree’s layered form creates visual structure year-round.

Why Choose Pagoda Dogwood?

Pollinator & Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract bees; berries provide food for birds.
Ornamental Form: Distinctive tiered branching adds architectural elegance.
Seasonal Interest: White flowers in spring, blue-black berries in summer, and red to purple fall foliage.
Low Maintenance: Hardy, adaptable, and long-lived once established.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Glossy green leaves turning reddish-purple in fall.
Flower Color: Clusters of fragrant white blooms in late spring.
Fruit Color: Blue-black berries in late summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 20–30 feet tall and 25–35 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 4–8.
Sunlight: Prefers partial shade; tolerates full shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates loam, sandy, and slightly acidic conditions.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 20–30 feet tall, 25–35 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed tree with tiered horizontal branching.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8.
Flowering: Late spring with fragrant white blooms.
Fall Interest: Red to purple leaves and ornamental berries.

Ideal Uses:

Woodland & Shade Gardens: Perfect for naturalized, shaded areas and forest edges.
Specimen Plantings: Adds architectural form and seasonal interest to gardens.
Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: Supports bees and provides berries for birds.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Adaptable, long-lived, and resilient once established.

Pagoda Dogwood is a graceful and ecologically valuable native tree. Its tiered branching, spring flowers, fall foliage, and wildlife benefits make it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded landscapes, and naturalized plantings.