Also known as Alternate-Leaf Dogwood · Alternate-Leaved Dogwood · Green Osier
Alternateleaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is an elegant, small deciduous tree or large shrub, admired for its tiered branching, white spring flowers, and dark blue frui
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Thrives in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Can tolerate full sun if soil remains moist.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Avoid drought and waterlogging.
Well-drained, moist, acidic to neutral
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerant of a range of temperatures, typically hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Light application of balanced fertilizer in spring if needed. Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few years and in hot, dry weather. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Mulching helps retain soil moisture.
Prune to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
This species has a naturally attractive layered habit, so avoid over-pruning that disrupts its form.
Propagation is typically done from seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to germinate. Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer can also be rooted under ideal conditions with the aid of rooting hormones.
Young plants in containers may need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in early spring before new growth emerges.
Mature plants are best left undisturbed in the ground.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Alternateleaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Species | Cornus alternifolia |
Similar in genus Cornus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
