Content Detail

Pagoda dogwood is an excellent native plant for the four-season garden. The unique horizontal branching pattern has a distinct tiered habit, often catching snow in the winter. Clusters of white flowers show up in spring, dark green foliage turns a beautiful burgundy-red in fall, and blue-black berries attract many birds. Pagoda dogwood makes an attractive small tree or large shrub in a shade garden or for naturalizing.

This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.

  • Family (English) Dogwood
  • Family (botanic) Cornaceae
  • Planting site Residential and parks, Under utility lines
  • Tree or plant type Tree, Shrub
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
  • Size range Large shrub (more than 8 feet), Compact tree (10-15 feet), Small tree (15-25 feet)
  • Mature height 15-25 feet
  • Mature width 20-30 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Drought tolerance Sensitive
  • Other tolerances Dry sites
  • Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance White
  • Shape or form Broad, Oval, Round, Upright
  • Growth rate Moderate
  • Transplants well No
  • Wildlife Butterflies, Game birds, Small mammals, Songbirds, Water birds
  • Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Size and Form

Pagoda dogwood is a native, low-branched tree reaching a mature height of 15 to 25 feet and 20 to 30 feet in width. Its unique horizontal branching pattern has a distinct tiered habit.

Native Geographic Location and Habitat

It is native to the northern portion of the eastern United States. C-Value: 9

Pollinators and Wildlife

Butterflies, game birds, small mammals, songbirds, and water birds are attracted to pagoda dogwood.

Bark Description

The bark is wine-purple to brown in color with vertical tan lenticels.

Leaf Description

The simple, alternate, oval leaves with wavy margins are about 4 inches long. They are medium green with pale undersides that turn to reddish-purple in fall.

Flower Description

Small white flowers in 2 inch wide, flat-topped clusters appear in May to June.

Fruit Description

It produces clusters of bluish-black berries (drupes) and red flower stalks (peduncles) that ripen in July.

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

Pagoda dogwood prefers part shade and moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Planting in a wind-protected site is recommended. If planted in full sun, the shallow root system benefits with a layer of mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture.

Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances

The tree is susceptible to minor leaf infections and golden stem canker. It is deer resistant and tolerant of black walnut toxicity.

Cultivars

Gold Bullion™ Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia ‘Bachone’)

This cultivar is 8 to 10 feet high and wide with golden yellow foliage that turns chartreuse-yellow in the fall. 

Golden Shadows™ Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia ‘W. Stackman’)

A variegated form with creamy-white margins. It is best grown in part shade.

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