It is also an attractive plant. These branches form low on the tree, leaving only a foot or two uncovered. 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. Cornus sericea is a 6- to 9-foot multi-stemmed shrub that blooms with white flowers in May and June.C. Identification: This plant is deciduous, slow-growing, and short-lived. This tree can grow to a height of 15 to 25 feet tall. The pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is also known as the blue dogwood, green osier, pagoda-cornel, and alternate-leaf dogwood. Other common names include alternate leaf dogwood and green osier. It is usually a shrub, sometimes a small tree. A favorite of wildlife gardeners, pagoda dogwood is a North American native species that produces clusters of blue-purple berries in summer that attract birds. It can grow in dense shade and may form small colonies when its lower branches contact the ground and take root, sending up new stems. The botanical name for this variety is Cornus alternifolia. The early-summer flowers attract bees and other pollinators, too. For more pagoda dogwood information, including tips for pagoda dogwood care, read on. When in the form of a shrub, it rises on several sprawling stems that often fork near the ground. It is rare in the southern United States. In Minnesota mature individuals are usually 8 ′ to 25 ′ tall, with a trunk up to 6 ″ in diameter, though large individuals may reach 30 ′ tall.. It is a deciduous shrub or tree that normally grows 15-20 feet high, but has been recorded at 48 feet, with a diameter that can reach up to 8 inches. alba, also known as Tatarian dogwood is an 8- to 10-foot shrub with creamy white flowers, also blooming in May and June. Once lumped under the genus Cornus with other dogwood species, this genus is now differentiated because its small flowers are distinct and do not cluster together to form a showy "pseudo flower" (pseudanthium). Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a large shrub or small tree for a garden or backyard. Pagoda Dogwood. The Variegated Pagoda Dogwood is an open multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a stunning habit of growth which features almost oriental horizontally-tiered branches. Attractive lacy white flowers in spring add to its charm. Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), also known as alternate-leaved dogwood, is native to the Eastern U.S. and grows in USDA zones 4 through 8. The USDA hardiness zones for this tree are 4 to 7, and its native area is Eastern North America. juliannafunk / Getty Images Two dogwood species carry the common name red-twig dogwood. Facts. Its large heart-shaped leaves are bright yellow, dotted with an irregular green thumbprint, and the new growth flushes reddish orange in cool conditions. Alternate-leaved dogwood is the only dogwood in the genus that has alternate leaves. And, their branches develop horizontally. Pagoda Dogwood Information. Golden Shadows ® is a beautiful pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) noted for its distinctive color and elegant, horizontal habit. Pagoda Dogwood is a common and widespread understory species of hardwood and mixed forests. Located in the northeast two-thirds of the state. This is because their trunks reach only 6 inches in diameter. With its large white flowers in spring, followed by clusters of black berries loved by birds, this native tree is ideal for small gardens, shady places and natural plantings. Habitat: Found on moist upland woods. It is commonly known as green osier, alternate-leaved dogwood, and pagoda dogwood. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or … Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus Alternifolia) Pagoda dogwoods function more like a shrub in your garden than a tree. The Pagoda Dogwood is a little-known tree that can bring real grace to cold gardens. The pagoda dogwood is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7.