About
Cornus alternifolia is a sizable deciduous shrub or a small tree that can reach heights of up to 6 meters, featuring a distinctive arching growth habit. Its stems are glossy and purple-green, supporting alternate, dark green, ovate foliage that transforms into a rich burgundy-purple hue during the fall. In late spring and throughout summer, clusters of lacy white flowers, which emit a subtle fragrance, bloom above the leaves. Following this floral display, dark blue fruits develop in summer, providing a food source for local birds.
About the genus
Cornus includes a variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as prostrate, woody perennials, some featuring vibrant young stems. The small flowers appear in compact clusters, occasionally accompanied by prominent bracts. Several species display attractive foliage in the fall.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- E N America
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Favours a woodland situation, but also full sun. Grow in fertile, humus rich, moist, acid soil which does not dry out. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by hardwood cuttings, grafting, seed.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to mussel scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus