Alternate-Leaf Dogwood (Cornus Alternifolia)

Alternative Names

Latin (scientific) name: Cornus alternifolia

Common English name: Alternate-leaf dogwood

Other names: Pagoda dogwood

French name: Cornouiller à feuilles alternes

Other Information

Tree Type: Deciduous

Habitat: Well-drained soils on forest edges, along streams and on swamp borders

Hardiness Zones: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Description

The Alternate-Leaf Dogwood is an ornamental tree and is planted as a source of food for birds. Note: the dark blue-black berries are not edible by humans.

Leaves are clustered at the branch tips, and are green and hairless on top but are slightly hairy underneath. There are 4-5 veins per leaf.

Young bark is greenish to red-brown and smooth. The bark develops shallow ridges as it matures.

The white or cream coloured flower clusters can be seen in bloom in June.

Sources: Tree Canada and Tree Bee