Unlike most Dogwoods, the leaves of this species are alternate as opposed to opposite. The Alternate-leaved Dogwood is a popular ornamental due to its lovely spring flowers and autumn leaves. This shrub also does a great job of attracting a wide variety of bird species with its fruits.

Alternate-leaved Dogwood bark is reddish-brown and slender. Photo by Sean Fox

Drupes of varying colour are present on all Dogwoods. These are dark blue and measure 8-10mm across. Photo by Chris Earley.

The cream coloured flowers of the Alternate-leaved Dogwood are arranged in large clusters at the end of the leaves. Photo by Chris Earley.

These leaves are alternate and gather noticeably toward the end of the shoot. They are oval-shaped and can be up to 13cm long. Photo by Chris Earley.

Ontario Tree Atlas map of non-planted Alternate-leaved Dogwoods. 1995-1999.

Return to tree listing page [1]

References

Farrar, J.L.. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. Toronto. ON. 504 pp.  

Kershaw, L. 2001. Trees in Ontario: Including tall shrubs. Lone Pine Publishing. Edmonton. AB. 240 pp

Muma, W. 2011. Ontario Trees and Shrubs. [Online] Available: www.ontariotrees.com

OMNR, 2011. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Ontario Tree Atlas. [Online] Available: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/ClimateChange/2ColumnSubPage/267027.html

OMNR, 2008. Ontario’s Biodiversity: Species at Risk.