Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

An excellent landscape shrub, Pagoda Dogwood is a deciduous shrub or small understory tree. It prefers partial sun, a moist well-drained site, and a rich soil that is somewhat acidic. Fragrant white flower clusters in spring are followed by …

More Detail
Plants 1 Gallon Pot
1+ $29.99 ea.
Availability: In stock
SKU
92710-GL
Cultural Details
Soil Type Loam
Soil Moisture Medium, Moist
Sun Exposure Partial, Shade
Height 15' - 25'
Bloom Color White
Bloom Time May, June
Spacing 15' - 20'
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Root Type Fibrous
Benefits Birds, Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Host Plant

A beautiful landscape shrub, Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) grows naturally along woodland edges as a small understory tree. It prefers partial sun, a moist well-drained site, and a rich soil that is somewhat acidic. Fragrant white flower clusters in spring are followed by dark blue berries on red stems in mid to late summer. The leaves turn a soft maroon color in the fall. Pagoda Dogwood is a wildlife favorite and supports an array of pollinators in the spring, while the berries are very popular with birds. It is a host plant for the Spring and Summer Azure butterflies.

Named for its decidedly horizontal tiered branches, it is also called Alternate Leaf Dogwood, as it is the only Dogwood with alternate rather than opposite leaves.

Botanical Synonyms
Swida alternifolia
Planting and Cultivation Notes
Pagoda Dogwood has "perfect flowers" with individual flowers containing both male and female structures. One plant will produce ample fruit.