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alternate-leaved dogwood

alternate-leaved dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

tree⛅ part shade💧💧 moderate waterZone 2a – Zone 7b

A deciduous understory tree with distinctive horizontal branching and alternate leaves that provide elegant tiered structure. Small white flowers appear in spring, followed by blue-black berries and attractive reddish fall foliage.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
15–25′ tall × 15–25′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Drought Tolerance

low

USDA Hardiness Zone

Zone 2a
Zone 7b
Zone range: Zone 2a to Zone 7b

pH Range

4.8
7.3
pH range: 4.8 to 7.3

Soil Texture

Medium

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFall

Forest Layer Placement

Succession Role

early successionalmid successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia

Function & Care

Functional Roles

erosion controlpollinator nectarywildlife benefit
Coppiceable

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting, layering, sucker