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Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda dogwood, Green osier)

Cornus alternifolia Cornus alternifolia Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Cornus alternifolia KOR-nus all-ter-nih-FOE-lee-ah Common Name: Pagoda dogwood, Green osier Genus: Cornus
This plant owes its name to its distinctive layered branches, which resemble the tiered, spreading roofline of an elaborate pagoda. Pagoda dogwoods are especially striking when accented by masses of small, fragrant creamy white flowers in early summer. Small, round fruits ripen to a deep blue-purple in late summer.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Native to North America, from Newfoundland to Minnesota, southward to the extreme southern Appalachians, and westward to Missouri. Performs best near its native range. Tolerates more cold, wind, and alkaline soil than flowering dogwood.
 Care: Grow in moist soil in partial shade.
 Propagation: Root from softwood and hardwood cuttings. Also grown from seed.
 Problems: Dogwood blight, powdery mildew, canker, bacterial leaf spot, and mushroom root rot. Common: twig borers, weevils, sawfly, scale insects, aphids, leafhoppers, root knot nematodes, and thrips.
Height 15 ft. to 30 ft.
Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft.
Light Part Shade Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Fragrant Flowers; Native; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Early Summer; Summer
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Flowering Tree
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Trees

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