Pagoda Dogwood: The Tiered Native with Horizontal Elegance

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• Family:	Cornaceae
  Genus:	Cornus (KOR-nus) (Info)
  Species:	alternifolia (al-tern-ee-FOH-lee-uh) (Info)

Overview

The Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), also called Green Osier or Alternate-leaf Dogwood, is a **superb, small native understory tree** of eastern North America. Its **distinctive, tiered, horizontal branching habit**—layers of branches radiating like the eaves of a pagoda—gives it unparalleled architectural elegance in the woodland garden.

Signature Tiered Architecture

The branches emerge in **distinct, flat, horizontal layers**, creating a **pagoda-like silhouette** that is striking in all seasons, especially winter. This is the **only dogwood with alternate (not opposite) leaves**—hence the species name. Leaves are **ovate, 3–5 inches, bright green**, clustered at branch ends, turning **reddish-purple in fall**.

Flowers, Fruit & Wildlife

In **late spring**, **flat-topped cymes (2–3 inches) of fragrant, creamy-white flowers** bloom at branch tips. These give way to **small, blue-black drupes (1/4 inch) on red pedicels** in late summer—**highly prized by birds** (over 30 species). The fruit display against the tiered branches is exquisite.

Culture & Site Needs

**USDA Zones 3–7.** **Requires cool, moist, well-drained, acidic soil and part shade (afternoon shade essential in warm zones).** **Intolerant of drought, heat, compacted soil, and pollution.** Susceptible to golden canker (stress-related). A **native gem for the woodland garden, shaded ravine, or north-facing slope**—plant where its horizontal tiers can be admired against a dark backdrop. One of the most elegant small trees in the native flora.