Cornus alternifolia
Cornus alternifolia alternate-leaf dogwood
Synonyms:
Swida alternifolia
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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.
Identification Tips
The only dogwood that has alternate leaves
Plant Codes
S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Cornus alternifolia alternate-leaf dogwood
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Cornus alternifolia gallery
Plant Summary
deciduous tree or shrub
native
flower color: white
Common Names
alternate-leaf dogwood
pagoda dogwood
Comments
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