Native Shrubs of Prince Edward Island
Alternate Leafed Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Description:
Our tallest native dogwood can look like a 6 foot (1.8 m) shrub or a 20 foot (6.1 m) small tree. It is one of the most underrated shrubs, whether native or non-native. The bright green bark is streaked with white, except on newer wood, where it is dark purple. Clusters of creamy white flowers turn into dark purple berries. Its branches tend to be long and horizontal. Leaves are typical of dogwoods, with distinct veins running towards the tip. Buds are small and alternate.

alternate leafed dogwood winter twig and bud.

Growing Conditions:
Often found at the edges of woodlands and as an understory plant in a variety of forest types. It tolerates both sun and shade and will grow on almost any fertile, moist, well-drained site.

Propagation:
This is one species we grow exclusively from seed. Collection is easiest along the edges of woods where the fruit crops are usually heaviest, from late July through September. Break the fruit by squeezing between your fingers and plant as soon as possible. Most will not germinate until the second spring, but should grow over 1 foot (30 cm) in that season. Collecting fruit before fully ripe (when stil pink) and planting soon after may allow germination in the first spring. This shrub can be grown from cuttings, but our success rate has been very low and not worth the effort. Few wooded areas have an excess of young plants that have grown from seed. Most young plants are suckers growing from the roots of larger specimens and are difficult to dig up successfully without damaging the parent plants. We do not recommend transplanting.

Wildlife Uses:
Berries are a preferred food of ruffed grouse, northern flicker, downy woodpecker, eastern kingbird, gray catbird, American robin, wood thrush, hermit thrush, Swainson's thrush, gray-cheeked thrush, cedar waxwing, red-eyed vireo, evening grosbeak, purple finch and pine grosbeak. Chipmunks and other small mammals make use of the fruit, while buds are eaten by ruffed grouse and ring-necked pheasant. Alternate leafed dogwood provides cover and nesting sites to many species of birds.

A captured thrush, part of bird banding program.

Areas of Usage:
Since this is one of our shrubs that is most tolerant of shade, it can be used extensively in woodland plantings. Plant one or two seedlings wherever there is enough light for them to get established, or in small patch cuts with other species of trees and shrubs. This will help diversify a forest, both in species and height, while providing an additional sourse of food. As a landscape plant, it is extremely versitile, growing in the sun by itself or in the shade of larger trees. Its physical grace adds a Japenese-like touch to any garden (it is often called "pagoda" dogwood). The dark purple fruit maturing on bright red stems adds to its attractiveness in the late summer. Alternate leafed dogwood will also increase the variety of songbirds and small mammals that visit your area.

From the Nursery:
The Macphail Woods operates a native tree and shrub nursery and offers many native trees and shrubs at affordable prices. Check out:

• Macphail Woods Nursery Catalogue
• Why Plant Native Shrubs?
• Growing Native Shrubs
• How to Plant Trees and Shrubs
• Tips on Transplanting



Alternate leafed dogwood leaf.



Alternate leafed dogwood fruit.



Alternate leafed dogwood winter stem.

This series of webpages is based on the booklet "Native Shrubs of Prince Edward Island Growing and using fifteen favorite shrubs for: wildlife enhancement, erosion control, windbreaks, landscapes and much more" written by Gary Schneider. If your interested in receiving a hardcopy of this booklet, please see our publications page.

We offer a number of workshops and guided tours at the Macphail Woods and it is an opportunity to learn more about PEI native shrubs. Check out the Events Calendar for more information. Web development and maintenance by Chris Martin.

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