Alternate-leaved Dogwood - Cornus alternifolia

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

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

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

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

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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.