Alternate Leaf Dogwood

Description

Cornus alternifolia. Pseudonyms include Pagoda dogwood, Alternate Leaf Dogwood. This is a deciduous shrub/small tree that can reach 30 feet, but often found as a 1 to many stemmed plant of half that height. Cold hardy at least to zone 3. Fruit is a purple to blue and berry sized, and plentiful. The harvest is not edible to humans, but prized by many bird species, bear, and small mammals. It is a good whitetail deer attractant as they consume the shoots and bark. Attractive spreading shape. The name cornus stems from the hardness of the wood, used in small tools historically. Plants are monoecious (both sexes on one plant) but require a second plant for pollination. Order the 2 or multi pack if you want fruit.