Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'
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Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: pagoda dogwood
Type: Tree
Family: Cornaceae
Zone: 3 to 7
Height: 10 to 15 feet
Spread: 12 to 20 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: Yellowish-white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Leaves: Colorful
Fruit: Showy Fruit
Wildlife: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Deer
Uses: Flowering Tree

Culture

Grow in acidic, organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates such as the St. Louis area. Best performance occurs in cool summer climates. Provide consistent moisture and mulch root zone.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cornus alternifolia is a small deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows 15-25’ tall with distinctive horizontal branching. ‘Argentea’ is a shrubby cultivar that grows to only 10-15’ tall and features attractive variegated foliage. It features the same layered, horizontal branching as the species. Small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers appear in flattened cymes in late spring (May-June). Flowers give way to bluish-black fruits (drupes) that mature in summer. Elliptic-ovate, medium green leaves (to 3.5” long) are variegated with white. Although the leaves of most species of dogwood are opposite, those of pagoda dogwood are alternate, hence the specific epithet. Argentea means silver in reference to the foliage variegation.

Problems

Susceptible to leaf spot, twig and leaf blights, root rot and canker. Scale, leaf miner and borers are occasional insect pests.

Garden Uses

Plant as a specimen or in small groupings on residential property around homes, near patios or in lawns. Also effective in shrub borders, woodland gardens, bird gardens or naturalized areas.

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