Cornus alternifolia
Cornus alternifolia alternate-leaved dogwood


Add to MyPlants View Locations
A relatively common understory shrub or small tree of hardwood and mixed forests. The only dogwood with alternate leaves. The leaves are crowded at branch tips making them appear whorled. Fruits are round, berry-like drupes that start out green turning dark blue at maturity.
Habitat & Range
Grows in shaded ravines and moist woods.
Present throughout the state.
Wetland codes
EMP: | FAC |
---|---|
NCNE: | FACU |
Phenology
Flowers late May through early June.
Characteristics
Flowers small, white, in hemispherical inflorescences.
Leaves alternate, in tight clusters at branch tips making them look whorled. Upper surface dark green, glabrous with 5 to 6 lateral veins.
Fruit blue to black on red pedicels.
Special Characters
The only dogwood that has alternate leaves
Plant Codes
S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Cornus alternifolia alternate-leaved dogwood
Synonyms: Swida alternifoliaAdd to MyPlants View Locations
Cornus alternifolia gallery
Plant Life-Form
deciduous tree or shrub
Common Names
alternate-leaved dogwood
pagoda dogwood
Comments
Have you spotted this plant in your area? We'd love to hear about your experience! Share your comments or questions about the plant below. Comments are moderated before posting.