Native Shrub
Sun: Partial Shade - Shade
Height: up to 8’
Bloom: Creamy White
Bloom Time: May-June
Moisture: Moist
Soil: Cool, moist, acid, well-drained soils.
Attracts: Butterflies and other pollinators, birds
Pollinator Benefit: Larval Host for Spring Azure Butterfly; Special Value to Native Bees!
A keystone plant that supports the lifecycle of 102 different species!!
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Alternate Leaf or Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a beautiful shrub in all seasons! Shrub or small tree with short trunk and flat-topped, spreading crown of long, horizontal branches. Alternate-leaf dogwood or pagoda dogwood is a deciduous shrub or small tree, 20-35 ft. tall, with decidedly horizontal branching. Branch ends are upturned. Bark and twigs are green to reddish-purple. Wide, flat-topped clusters of fragrant, white-cream flowers become clusters of reddish-purple berries. Fall foliage is a dull maroon.
Unlike all other native dogwoods, this species has alternate rather than opposite leaves. The name "Pagoda Dogwood" alludes to the flat-topped crown, with horizontal layers of branches. The bitter berrylike fruits of this and other dogwoods are consumed in quantities in fall and winter by wildlife.
Source: www.wildflower.org