Overview
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' is a bushy tree in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 6.0 m tall. Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural and flower borders and beds. It is native to Newfoundland, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
About
Cornus alternifolia is a species of flowering plant in the dogwood family Cornaceae, native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland west to southern Manitoba and Minnesota, and south to northern Florida and Mississippi. It is rare in the southern United States.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus alternifolia
About the genus
Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cornus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 6.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Newfoundland, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'
- Propagation
- Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Cornus anthracnose, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'?
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' need?
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' grow?
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' reaches a height of 6.0 m.
Is Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' hardy in the UK?
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'?
Grafting.
More in the Cornus genus
- Cornus florida 'Fastigiata'Flowering Dogwood

- Cornus kousa 'Tsukuba No Mine'Kousa Dogwood

- Cornus mas 'Kazanlak' (F)cornelian cherry 'Kasanlaker'

- Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'Common dogwood
