Family: Cornaceae
Author: L.f.
Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 125 (1782)
Year: 1782
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cornus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Alternate-leaf Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus alternifolia, is a distinctive species within the Cornaceae family. This deciduous shrub or small tree is found primarily in the cooler regions of Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States, stretching from Canada to North Carolina.
One of the most striking features of the Alternate-leaf Dogwood is its unique leaf arrangement. Unlike most dogwoods, which tend to have opposite leaves, Cornus alternifolia showcases an alternate leaf pattern, giving it its common name. The leaves are simple, broad, and ovate with smooth margins, providing a lush green backdrop during the growing season.
In the spring, Cornus alternifolia produces small, creamy-white flowers that are arranged in clusters. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of the area. As the seasons transition into summer and fall, the flowers give way to bluish-black berries that serve as a food source for local wildlife, particularly birds.
The growth habit of Cornus alternifolia is another notable characteristic. It typically grows in a tiered, horizontal branching pattern, which contributes to its ornamental value in landscape design. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, adding an element of texture and color contrast through the seasons.
The Alternate-leaf Dogwood thrives in well-drained, acidic to neutral soils and prefers locations that offer partial to full shade, although it can tolerate some sun. It is often found in the understory of forests and along forest edges, adapting well to naturalized settings or as part of a woodland garden.
Cornus alternifolia was first formally described in 1782 in the Supplementum Plantarum (Suppl. Pl.), an authoritative botanical text, under the authorship of Carl Linnaeus the Younger, often abbreviated as L.f. This historical context underscores the long-standing recognition and study of this species.
In summary, the Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a plant of great ecological and ornamental value, known for its unique leaf arrangement, attractive flowers, and wildlife-friendly berries. Its presence from Eastern Canada to North Carolina adds to the natural beauty and biodiversity of these regions, making it a valuable addition to both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.
Common Names
Eng: alternate-leaf dogwood, alternateleaf dogwood, green osier, pagoda dogwood, alternate-leaved dogwood
Fra: cornouiller à feuilles alternes
Swe: kranskornell
Deu: wechselblättriger hartriegel
En: Alternate-leaf dogwood, Alternateleaf dogwood, Green osier, Pagoda dogwood, Alternate-leaved dogwood
Fr: Cornouiller à feuilles alternes
De: Wechselblättriger Hartriegel
Sv: Kranskornell
Synonyms
- Cornus alternifolia var. ochroleuca (Rehder)
- Cornus alternifolia f. ochrocarpa (Rehder)
- Cornus alternifolia var. corallina (Aiton)
- Cornus alternifolia var. variegata (Waracek)
- Cornus alternifolia var. virescens (Aiton)
- Cornus alterna (Marshall)
- Cornus alternifolia var. argentea (Rehder)
- Cornus rotundifolia (Raf.)
- Bothrocaryum alternifolium ((L.f.) Pojark.)
- Cornus punctata (Raf.)
- Cornus riparia var. rugosa (Raf.)
- Cornus plicata (Tausch)
- Cornus undulata (Raf.)
- Cornus alternifolia f. argentea ((Rehder) Rehder)
- Cornus riparia (Raf.)
- Swida alternifolia ((L.f.) Small)
- Cornus alternifolia f. albomarginata (Schelle)
- Cornus alternifolia f. albovariegata (Schelle)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 18, 2022 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2022 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2022 by Cory Pinho (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by Élian Barcelo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Piotr Marcinkiewicz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2022 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Darlene and John Irwin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Renée-Louise Lamontagne (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2020 by pj cote (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2022 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3082242)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271502-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornus alternifolia L.f.)