A spectacular specimen either as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. A beautiful architectural form with distinctive, layered, horizontal branching pattern. Pollinators are attracted to spring flowers and birds consume the dark, blueberry-like fruit. Most dogwood species have opposite leaves while this specific species has alternate, hence it’s common name. Prefers medium, well-drained soil in dappled shade.

This species is also known as the pagoda dogwood.

Height : 15-25 feet Spread : 15-25 feet

Light : Full sun to shade Water : Medium to moist

Soil : Sand, loam, clay Zone : 3-8

Leaves : Medium to dark green. Fall color can develop to reddish purple but not noted to be showy

Stem : Twigs greenish to reddish/purple. Smooth and shiny

Flower : Fragrant yellowish white flowers in May-June

Fruit : Clusters of berry-like fruits. Very attractive fruit changing from green to red where they ripen to a blue-black in July-August

Habit : Spreading, horizontal, low-branched tree or shrub

Key Pollinators : Mining bees, small sweat bees, metallic green sweat bees & (cornus specialist) mining bee species

Pollinator Food Source: Nectar

Larval Host Plant : Various species