4 Photos
Summary
With its unusual tiered branching structure, this underused member of the dogwood family will surely capture attention as a specimen tree in your landscape. Cornus alternifolia is a small, deciduous tree that will reach a height of 15-30’ with an irregular, open habit. In late spring, small fragrant flowers are borne in flat-topped clusters, followed by berries that turn from green to blue-black as summer progresses. Interesting coral fruit stalks persist after the berries are gone. This tree grows best in a partly sunny location and prefers acidic soil that is cool and moist. Some excellent companions include Rhododendron prinophyllum, Leucothoe axillaris, Symphyotrichum cordifolium, and Solidago caesia.
More Details
- Plant Type
tree - Sun/Shade Conditions
filtered-shade, partial-shade, shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, dry, moist - Flowering Period
late-spring, mid-spring - Soil PH
acidic, adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green, purple, yellow - Other Common Names
alternate leaf dogwood - Fruit/Seed Color
black, blue