Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

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Cornus alternifolia

Also Known As

Alternate-leaved Dogwood
Green Osier
Pagoda Dogwood

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 15'-25'
W: 12'-20'

planting zones

3a-7b

More Options

Cornus alternifolia plant details

Cornus alternifolia is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring cream and white flowers emerge followed by blue fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cornus alternifolia

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: cornaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 FT - 20 FT - wide, 15 FT - 25 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in spring
Uses: architectural, fall color, fragrant, red stems

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cornus alternifolia

USDA Zones: 3a - 7b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This large native shrub/small tree has alternate leaves, unusual to dogwoods; strongly horizontal branching; nice red fall color. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Shrubby tree with a prominently horizontal, tiered branch pattern, suggesting its common name. Flat clusters of fragrant May flowers add to its layered ornamental appearance. Blue-black fruits ripen in late summer, followed by bronze autumn foliage.

By: Heritage Seedlings

A small tree dogwood, with clustered of small white flowers in early summer that are, to be honest, not exceptionally showy. The exceptional trait of this tree is its growth habit, with branches in distinct tiered layers, extremely beautiful when mature. Zone 4

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Blooms: spring, small white flowers in clusters, blackfruit/ stunning alternate leafing and branching, layered look./ red bark Zone 3-9. 12', EA US, part shade, moist, well drained

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

Clusters of lacy white flowers, blue-black berries fall, layered branching, burgundy-red fall color. Zones 4-9.

By: Lael's Moon Garden

A spreading, horizontal branching pattern give a wonderful layered look to this dogwood. Slow to moderate grower. 2-5" alternate leaves turn a outstanding maroon to reddish purple color in the fall. Clusters of greenish white flowers in late summer which are fragrant give way to purplish black berries on red stems in Fall. Very Disease resistant. Keep root zone cool with mulch.