Pagoda In The Woods

Cornus alternifolia - alternate-leaf dogwood - is a common tree found in the understory of Wisconsin's forests.

Often cultivated for landscape purposes it is a true native.

Unlike other dogwoods - characterized by leaves attached opposite to one-another - the leaves of this species are unique as they're attached alternate to one-another.  The branches are also distinctive - reaching out horizontally.  Temple-like.  Just like a pagoda. 

They're in full bloom right now and those blooms will yield berries for the over-wintering birds.

The Frau thinks that the pagoda dogwoods along the creek are ones we planted almost two decades ago.  The size would be right if that could be proven.

Trouble is we didn't keep really good records back then.