Small tree up to about 8 m, initially with a broad pyramidal crown that later becomes round. The lateral branches are grouped in nearly horizontal layers on the trunk. Like C. controversa and unlike other Cornus varieties, the leaf arrangement is alternate. The underside of the dark green leaf is bluish. In late spring, creamy white flowers in erect, flat corymbs appear along the entire length of the branches. They are followed by small, blue-black berries on conspicuous red stalks. Closely related to C. controversa and best regarded as a smaller version of this.
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
loamy soil, sandy soil, peaty soil, acid soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
5b (-26,0 to -23,4 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies, provides food for birds
Application
tree containers, small gardens
Shape
multi-stem treem
Multi-stem treeacid soilloamy soilpeaty soilsandy soiltolerates no pavingresistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)can withstand wind3rd size, smaller than 6 metreshalf-open crowngreenwhiteMayaverage growingConspicuous bloomvaluable for butterfliesprovides food for birdsnon-toxic (usually)Ornamental fruit
Frequently asked questions
Cornus alternifolia
Cornus alternifolia can eventually reach a height of 6-8 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.
Cornus alternifolia is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 6-8 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.
The right time to plant Cornus alternifolia is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Cornus alternifolia with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.