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Pagoda Dogwood Tree
Pagoda Dogwood Tree
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Cornus alternifolia
Pagoda Dogwood Tree
The Pagoda Dogwood is a graceful native tree known for its tiered branching, creamy white flowers, and elegant structure. Often used as an ornamental focal point or understory accent, this small tree brings year-round charm with its layered form, blue-black berries, and reddish-purple fall foliage.
With its shade tolerance and wildlife appeal, the Pagoda Dogwood is a must-have for naturalistic landscapes and woodland gardens.
Pagoda Dogwood Tree Overview
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
🌿 Botanical Name |
Cornus alternifolia |
|
🏷️ Common Names |
Pagoda Dogwood, Alternate-leaf Dogwood |
|
🌳 Mature Height |
15–25 feet |
|
🌐 Mature Width |
10–20 feet |
|
📈 Growth Rate |
Moderate (12–24 inches per year) |
|
⏳ Lifespan |
40–60+ years |
|
🧊 USDA Zones |
3–7 |
|
❄️ Chill Hours |
800–1,200 hours |
|
☀️ Sun Preference |
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun |
|
🧱 Soil Type |
Moist, well-drained loam or sandy soils |
|
⚖️ Soil pH |
Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
|
💧 Water Needs |
Moderate; prefers consistent moisture |
|
🌸 Flower Color |
Creamy white clusters in late spring |
|
🍒 Fruit Type |
Blue-black berries on red stalks; bird favorite |
|
🐝 Pollinators |
Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects |
|
🌿 Growth Habit |
Horizontal, layered branching with central leader |
|
↔️ Spacing |
15–20 ft apart for natural shape and airflow |
|
🏡 Landscape Uses |
Woodland gardens, shady borders, understory plantings |
|
🧹 Maintenance Level |
Low once established |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Supplies early-season nectar for pollinators and beneficial insects
🍇 Provides essential food for birds and small mammals
🌲 Supports native biodiversity and layered forest structure
🌧️ Helps stabilize shaded, moist areas prone to erosion
Pros & Cons
|
✅ Pros |
⚠️ Cons |
|
🌿 Stunning layered form and year-round interest |
🌞 Doesn’t tolerate hot, dry, or full-sun locations well |
|
🐝 Great pollinator and bird support |
💧 Requires consistent soil moisture—doesn’t like drying out |
|
🌸 Elegant spring flowers and red fall color |
🐛 Can be susceptible to golden canker in stressed conditions |
|
🧬 Native to eastern North America |
✂️ Delicate branching can be damaged by heavy snow or ice |
|
🌳 Perfect size for small spaces or understory use |
🚫 Not suitable for very dry or exposed sites |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply before and after planting to reduce stress
🕳️ Dig a wide hole; plant at the same depth as in the nursery
🌾 Mulch lightly to maintain moisture and reduce weed pressure
💦 Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first 2 years
✂️ Prune lightly to shape or remove dead/damaged branches in late winter
🧪 Feed in early spring with compost or mild tree fertilizer
The Pagoda Dogwood Tree adds elegance, texture, and ecological value to shaded landscapes. Its distinctive tiered structure and native wildlife appeal make it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a standout specimen or a graceful understory companion.
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