Cornus alternifolia
We have many native dogwoods in Ontario. Most are small to medium shrubs with opposite leaves, and are often used to create hedge rows or add privacy. The alternate-leaved dogwood stands out from the others with its alternating leaf pattern and its wide, tree-like growth. The unique structure, whether it is grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or as a small tree, will stand out in any garden.
Large flat clusters of fragrant flowers bloom in June sitting on top of the horizontal branches, creating beautiful layers of white and green. Once the flowers fade, the fruit begins developing. By early fall, they ripen into dark blue berries that sit at the end of small red stems.
Adding an alternate-leaved dogwood to your yard is a great way to support some of our favorite wildlife. Many pollinators enjoy the pollen and nectar, including the fragile minor bee who almost always feeds on dogwood flowers.
Dogwoods are also important host plants for the summer azure caterpillar. The caterpillar itself is short and stout but transforms into a small, delicate flutter of blue.
The berries also become a great source of nutrients for migrating birds in the fall, such as tanagers, vireos and thrushes.
Alternate-leaved dogwoods prefer moist, well-drained soils and can grow in a range of full sun to full shade.
Plant as an understory shrub near a native maple or birch, or let it be the main feature of a small front lawn. Add shade-loving plants below, such as bloodroot, jack-in-the-pulpit and blue-stemmed goldenrod to create a cozy woodland feel.