Wildlife Temple

Meet Cornus alternifolia – commonly known as Alternate-leafed Dogwood, Pagoda Dogwood, Green Osier, Pigeonberry and Blue Dogwood.          

Three houses-ago Jill and I planted one of these in our front yard because the spring blooms, fall foliage and curious branch structure would add interest to our city landscaping.  It grows profusely around here – along the line fences and along Silver Creek.        

From our walk a few days ago it was in all of its spring glory and hosting the pollinators that came to visit the prolific flowers.  It mostly grows in stands as a consequence of a fibrous, spreading root system. And it prefers cool, wet and shade.       

Unlike other native dogwoods this species does not have opposing leaves.  Instead, it sports alternate leaves that have teeny-tiny teeth on them.  This shrubby tree has a flattened crown below-which are horizontal branches – lending it a pagoda-like appearance.   
     

In autumn the foliage will change to a spectrum of gold to scarlet-maroon colors and birds will feast on the berries that persist long into the months of winter that follow.          

It is an all-around excellent small tree - pleasing to the eye and friend of wildlife.   

I recommend it.