Cornus alternifolia

Common Names

Pagoda Dogwood, Alternate-Leaved Dogwood, Green Osier

Summary

Cornus alternifolia, commonly called Pagoda dogwood or alternate-leaved dogwood, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub native to eastern North America, prized for horizontal, tiered branches that form a pagoda-like silhouette. Leaves are alternate, 2–5 inches long, dark green above and paler beneath, turning reddish-purple in fall; creamy white flowers appear in late spring to early summer in flat-topped clusters, followed by blue-black drupes on red stalks that persist into fall. Typical size is about 15–25 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide, with wildlife value as fruits feed birds and flowers attract pollinators, making it a striking specimen in woodland borders or naturalized plantings. Culture and maintenance: prefers partial sun to shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soils, with some afternoon shade in hot climates; mulch about 3 inches to keep roots cool and moist and provide consistent moisture (about 1 inch of water per week during establishment). It is relatively low maintenance but susceptible to leaf spot, twig blight, canker, root rot, and pests such as scale and borers; light pruning in late winter helps maintain its pagoda habit. Common landscape uses include specimen plantings, woodland or bird gardens, shrub borders, naturalized areas, and small groups, where its tiered form and seasonal color provide year-round interest.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-25 feet

Spread

20-30 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, tolerates full sun, tolerates partial sun/shade, tolerates full shade

Soil Type

Loamy, acidic, well-drained, moist soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist soil.

Soil pH

4.8-7.3, Slightly acidic soil

Bloom Color

Creamy white

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green, reddish-purple, reddish-copper

Fall Foliage Color

Reddish-purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate growth, up to about 2 feet per year after establishment.

Seasons of Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Softwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, butterflies, and pollinators