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Cornus alternifolia

Spreading, horizontal, low-branched tree with great horizontal habit. Flat-topped clusters of fragrant, yellowish white flowers in May or June are followed by handsome blue-black berries on red stems. Burgundy foliage in fall. Good alternative to cold-sensitive Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) in northern areas. Many insects use flowers, including bees, wasps, flies, butterflies. Moth and butterfly caterpillars eat foliage.

Native Environment

Forest

Culture

Grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. Will grow in full sun but needs adequate moisture. Tolerates short periods of drought.

Use

Plant as a specimen tree, group in a shrub border or naturalize in a woodland. Fruit attracts many types of birds. Good alternative to cold-sensitive Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) in northern areas.

Native Environment

Forest

Height

15 to 25 feet

Spread

25 to 35 feet

Plant Type

Trees

Color

White

Fall Color

Red

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

Medium Sun/Average Shade

Shade

Season of Interest

Mid (May - June)

Late (July - frost)

Soil Moisture

Moderate

Wildlife Benefit

Food/Birds

Butterfly / Moth Host

Butterfly / Moth Nectar

Nature Attracting

Butterfly

Songbird

Special Usage

Fragrant