Cornus alternifolia
Pagoda Dogwood
DESCRIPTION
Pagoda DogwoodCornus alternifolia
While this tree is native to North America it is often used in Japanese style gardens because of it's beautiful horizontal branching. In nature you’ll find pagoda dogwood in the understory and it grows best in the company of other trees. It prefers moist, richly organic soils in light shade. White spring blossoms attract butterflies and it is a host plant for Spring Azure butterflies. Water and songbirds, grouse, pheasants, wild turkeys, squirrels and a host of other wildlife relish the late summer berries. As if that wasn’t enough, it has great fall color.
BENEFITS
Attracts butterflies, host plant for Spring AzureGreat fall color and ornamental berries
Fruits are bluish black with red pedicels
Attracts ground, water and songbirds and many mammals
Compact size and refined habit, versatile landscape ornamental
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Open woods, slopes and coastal plains from Newfoundland west to Minnesota and south to the gulf coast east of Louisiana.
Interesting Facts
The genus Cornus is Latin for 'Cornu', which means 'horn' - a testament to Dogwood's tough wood! This tree's roots, when mixed with vinegar, produce a brown colored dye that was used by early settlers and Native Americans. Pagoda dogwood gets its name from the horizontal branching that makes it look like a pagoda, if you use your imagination.
GROWING TIPS
Prefers moist, well drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy, deep root system. Feed with an organic fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.