Description
The Pagoda dogwood is my favourite native small tree/shrub, one that didn’t obey the Cornus rule of having opposite leaves, hence its other common name as alternate-leaf dogwood. The branches are disposed in horizontal layers with the result of a charming little tree having an open pagoda-like canopy. Its growth form is variable depending mostly on the amount of shade it receives; often grows as a multi stem clump.
White-cream flowers arranged in flat-topped clusters appear in June and are followed by dark-blue drupes on red stalks towards the fall. At the same time, the foliage also starts to change its colour in various shades of red and purple.
Very hardy and reliable, it should not be missing from any garden, big or small – at least in Canada. A Pagoda dogwood with a carpet of large flowered Trillium underneath in the spring – heaven on earth!
The flowers are good for pollinators and the fruits are eaten by a variety of birds and small mammals.
Germination: germination is best when sown immediately in the fall or cold/moist stratified for two or three months. Some seeds will germinate germinate in the following year (or over 2 years).
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