Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) KOR-nus all-ter-nih-FOE-lee-ah Genus:  Cornus This plant owes its name to its distinctive layered branches, which resemble the tiered, spreading roofline of an elaborate pagoda. Pagoda dogwoods are especially striking when accented by masses of small, fragrant creamy white flowers in early summer. Small, round fruits ripen to a deep blue-purple in late summer. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Native to North America, from Newfoundland to Minnesota, southward to the extreme southern Appalachians, and westward to Missouri. Performs best near its native range. Tolerates more cold, wind, and alkaline soil than flowering dogwood. Care:  Grow in moist soil in partial shade. Propagation:  Root from softwood and hardwood cuttings. Also grown from seed. Problems:  Dogwood blight, powdery mildew, canker, bacterial leaf spot, and mushroom root rot. Common: twig borers, weevils, sawfly, scale insects, aphids, leafhoppers, root knot nematodes, and thrips.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft. Light Part Shade Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Native, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Early Summer, Summer Flower Color White Uses Flowering Tree Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Trees