Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color: Red

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects, Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

15 to
25
feet

Spread:

25 to
35
feet
Size
Height: 15 to
25
feet
Spread: 25 to
35
feet
Size
Height: 15 to
25
feet
Spread: 25 to
35
feet
Typical Landscape 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.
Establishment and Care Instructions
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.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant
Basic Description

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.

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

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