Cornus alternifolia (Fr: cornouiller à feuilles alternes | En: Pagoda dogwood )

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia
Alternative names: Alternate-leaf Dogwood, Green Osier
French: Cornouiller alterne

Pagoda Dogwood is one of the most elegant and ornamental small trees native to our region. It is easily recognized by its distinctive horizontal branching, forming graceful, tiered “levels” that give it a pagoda-like silhouette.

In late spring (May to June), it produces large, creamy-white flower clusters, which are followed by deep blue berries that attract many birds. Even the leaves stand out, with a rare alternate arrangement (unusual for dogwoods), showing a bronze tint in spring before turning green in summer and sometimes red or purple in fall.

Typically found in deciduous forests, Pagoda Dogwood thrives in part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, especially those that are neutral to alkaline. It makes an excellent understory tree or specimen planting in shaded or woodland-edge gardens.

Height: 4 to 7 m
Bloom time: May to June
Light: Part shade
Moisture: Moderate to moist
Soil: Prefers alkaline, well-drained soil
Habitat: Deciduous forests
Ecological benefits: Flowers support pollinators, berries feed birds
Edible: Not considered edible for humans