Plant · GBIF taxon 3082242
Alternate-leaved Dogwood
Cornus alternifoliaAlso known as Pagoda Dogwood, Green Osier
Pagoda dogwood stands out in eastern deciduous understories with its distinctive horizontal, tiered branch architecture resembling a multi-storied pagoda. Clusters of fragrant, yellowish-white blossoms appear in late spring, ripening by late summer into rich bluish-black drupes held aloft on bright red stalks. Unlike nearly all other native dogwoods, its foliage is arranged alternately along the stems rather than in opposite pairs.
DeciduousFloweringNative
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Cryptodiaporthe corni
ThreatsGolden canker disease, habitat fragmentation, and heavy deer browsing
HabitatsRich deciduous woods, forest borders, stream banks, and ravine slopes
Life span30–50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCornales
- FamilyCornaceae
- GenusCornus
- SpeciesCornus alternifolia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Branching Clue: Check branch tips to observe alternate leaf arrangement, unique among native dogwoods.
- Spring Bloom: Look for flat clusters of small creamy flowers during late spring in partial shade.
- Autumn Watching: Scan the lower canopy in late summer for songbirds feeding on ripe black fruit.
Same Genus Eric Hunt / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Same Genus (c) giantcicada, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by giantcicada · cc-by
Seed Disperser (c) Anna Hess, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Anna Hess · cc-by
Host Plant Walter Siegmund / CC BY 2.5 · cc-by
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