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Alternate-leaved dogwood

Name: Alternate-leaved dogwood
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR1
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Pagoda Dogwood

Latin name Cornus alternifolia

Quantity per packet Minimum 10 seeds

Pagoda Dogwood combines exceptional ornamental beauty with outstanding ecological value. It supports pollinators, feeds birds, and integrates naturally into woodland landscapes throughout Canada.

Product information

Product
identification

Common namePagoda Dogwood

Latin nameCornus alternifolia

FamilyCornaceae

TypeNative shrub

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 10 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0015

Product
description

Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is one of the most elegant native shrubs in eastern Canada, admired for its distinctive tiered branching that creates a graceful, architectural silhouette. Its horizontally layered branches give it a unique appearance that immediately stands out in woodland gardens and naturalistic landscapes. In spring, delicate clusters of creamy white flowers cover the shrub, attracting native bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial pollinators. By autumn, its foliage transforms into brilliant shades of red, orange, and burgundy, while its blue-black berries provide an important food source for birds, making this native shrub an exceptional asset for biodiversity.

Pagoda Dogwood thrives in rich, organically amended, well-drained soils that remain consistently cool and moist. It grows well in full sun to partial shade but performs especially well along woodland edges and in open forest understories, where its elegant branching habit can fully develop. Once established, this native shrub requires very little maintenance beyond maintaining evenly moist soil with the help of organic mulch. Its moderate growth rate and exceptional hardiness allow it to become a long-lived ornamental shrub that provides beauty in every season.

In the garden, Pagoda Dogwood blends naturally into plantings inspired by the forests of Quebec and eastern Canada. It combines beautifully with Shadblow Serviceberry, Ostrich Fern, Bloodroot, and native Viburnums to create landscapes rich in texture, seasonal interest, and biodiversity. Its spring flowers provide valuable nectar for pollinators, while its blue-black berries feed many bird species in late summer. With its distinctive tiered form, spectacular seasonal beauty, and outstanding ecological value, Cornus alternifolia is an exceptional choice for woodland gardens, wildlife hedgerows, and ecological restoration projects.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after soaking, warm stratification, and cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depthLess than 5 mm

Spacing / density

3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft)

Germination temperature20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F)

Germination timeVariable, several months

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed after warm and cold stratification or by semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed-grown plants require several years to develop their characteristic tiered form.

Growing
method

Sow Pagoda Dogwood seeds in autumn or after warm stratification followed by cold stratification to overcome natural dormancy. Sow the seeds on the surface or beneath less than 5 mm of light growing medium and maintain consistent moisture throughout germination. Germination is often slow and may require several months. Young seedlings perform best in bright locations protected from intense afternoon sun and in rich, organic woodland soil. Once established, Cornus alternifolia develops into a hardy, long-lived shrub whose distinctive tiered branching makes it one of the most beautiful native shrubs for woodland gardens and ecological landscapes.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Rich, humus-rich, cool to moist, well-drained soil. This species thrives in fertile woodland soils rich in organic matter.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Keep the soil consistently cool and slightly moist throughout the growing season. Organic mulch helps conserve moisture and reduce drought stress.

Fertilization

A yearly application of mature compost in spring is generally sufficient to maintain healthy growth. Organic-rich soils encourage more abundant flowering and vigorous foliage.

Care levelLow

In spring, remove only dead or damaged branches to preserve the shrub's graceful natural structure. Maintain a layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and gradually enrich the soil. During dry summers, occasional watering promotes healthy growth. Avoid heavy pruning, which can diminish its distinctive tiered branching habit. In autumn, leave the berries on the shrub to support local wildlife.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)

Pagoda Dogwood can be grown in a large, deep container during its first few years using an organic-rich growing medium that retains moisture while draining well. Because this shrub gradually develops its characteristic layered structure, transplanting into the landscape is recommended as it matures. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering during hot weather. Its elegant architectural form also makes it an attractive specimen for shaded patios and woodland-inspired gardens.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its distinctive horizontal branching creates one of the most elegant silhouettes among native shrubs. Combined with its pollinator-friendly flowers and bird-friendly berries, it offers outstanding ornamental and ecological value.

Pagoda Dogwood combines exceptional ornamental beauty with outstanding ecological value. It supports pollinators, feeds birds, and integrates naturally into woodland landscapes throughout Canada.

Garden use

Pagoda Dogwood makes a superb specimen shrub thanks to its distinctive layered branching and graceful silhouette. It blends naturally into woodland gardens, native hedgerows, and ecological restoration projects. Its spring flowers support pollinators, while its berries feed birds through late summer. Brilliant fall foliage extends its ornamental appeal well into autumn, making it one of the finest native shrubs for natural landscapes.

Bloom period

Delicate creamy white flower clusters bloom in spring, attracting native bees and many beneficial pollinating insects before decorative berries develop.

Flower colorCreamy white

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

August to September

Fruiting

Decorative blue-black berries produced in late summer

Wildlife appealBees, birds, and pollinators

Size
and facts

Height4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft)

Spread3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Shadblow Serviceberry, Ostrich Fern, Bloodroot, Witherod Viburnum

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Rockrose, Yucca

Recipe
and inspiration

The blue-black berries produced in late summer are valued primarily by birds and other wildlife rather than for human consumption. Pagoda Dogwood is grown mainly for its exceptional ornamental beauty, pollinator-friendly flowers, and ecological importance. It is one of the finest native shrubs for woodland restoration, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity-focused landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Pagoda Dogwood seeds? +

Pagoda Dogwood seeds are best sown in autumn or after warm and cold stratification in spring. This treatment closely mimics natural conditions and greatly improves germination.

Why is Pagoda Dogwood so popular in natural gardens? +

Its elegant layered branching, nectar-rich flowers, colorful berries, and brilliant fall foliage make Pagoda Dogwood one of the most desirable native shrubs for woodland gardens.

Does Pagoda Dogwood attract pollinators? +

Yes. Its creamy white spring flowers attract native bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and many other beneficial pollinating insects.

Do birds eat Pagoda Dogwood berries? +

Yes. The blue-black berries provide an important food source for many bird species during late summer and early autumn.

Is Pagoda Dogwood hardy in Canada? +

Yes. Pagoda Dogwood is fully hardy throughout most of Canada and performs exceptionally well in woodland and natural landscapes.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.