Alternate-leaf Dogwood Cornus alternifolia

The alternate-leaf dogwood is a shrub or small tree that has horizontal branches that form tiers. The branches are parallel to the ground creating a layered tiered look with upturned branches like a pagoda. This plant may grow from 15 to 25 feet tall and 20 to 32 feet wide.  Fragrant creamy-white flowers bloom from May to June. Bluish-black fruits appear from July to August. A distinctive feature of this shrub is its alternate leaf pattern. The alternate leaves are characteristic of only one other dogwood, Cornus controversa or giant dogwood.

The alternate-leaf dogwood is native to central and eastern Canada and central and the eastern and central areas of the United States. The plant may be found in moist or dry woodlands or along stream banks. It is best suited for cool weather climates, particularly for the summer months.

The genus name, Cornus, is Latin from the word, cornu, which means "horn." This reflects the hardness of the wood. The species name, alternifolia, refers to the alternate leaf arrangement. The common name, pagoda dogwood, refers to the horizontal tiered arrangement of the branches.

The alternate-leaf dogwood is best grown in full sun to partial shade. It prefers acidic, rich loamy, moist, and well-drained soils. It has a fibrous, spreading root system and prefers when the root zone is kept cool. This plant does not transplant well due to its shallow root system. The plant is propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.

This plant is typically cultivated for its ornamental value. On young plants, the bark is greenish-brown but turns gray and furrowed with age. The stems are green to reddish-purple The small creamy-white blooms appear on flattened topped cymes, and the bluish-black drupes are suspended by orangish-red stems. The dark green leaves of summer transition to red in the autumn.

Butterflies, birds, and small mammals are attracted to this shrub for its nectar and fruits. The alternate-leaf dogwood is an excellent native plant with four-season interest. Consider this shrub for your home garden as a specimen plant, shrub border, or in naturalized areas. It does not do well in zones higher than 7 and prefers cool summer climates. Be sure to give it some shade in hot climates, mulch the root zone and keep the soil moist.

NC Native Shrub or Small Tree

Seasons of Interest:

 Foliage: Fall        Bloom: Spring     Fruits: Summer        Bark and Twigs:  Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• spreading crown and horizontal tiered branches
• alternate leaves and whorled pattern at the end of the stem
• creamy white clusters of tiny flowers in late spring to early summer
• bluish-black drupes in mid-summer with orangish-red stems
• green to reddish-purple twigs and stems
• greenish-brown bark turns gray and furrowed with age

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: The alternate leaf dogwood does not have any serious diseases or insect problems.  Calico scale, dogwood borer, dogwood sawfly, Japanese maple scale, leafhoppers, and oyster shell scale may be seen.  Anthracnose, leaf and flower blight (botrytis), crown canker, bacterial leaf scorch, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf spot may occur. It can get sunscald, and it does not tolerate salt. Wind and ice damage are common problems. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.