Cornus alternifolia, commonly known as the alternate-leaved dogwood, is a beautiful flowering tree that can add charm and elegance to any garden or landscape. Here is a detailed description of how you can identify this tree:
1. Size and Shape: The alternate-leaved dogwood is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing between 15-25 feet tall. It has a rounded, spreading shape with horizontal branches that give it a layered appearance.
2. Flowers: One of the key features of this tree is its small, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring (May-June). The flowers are yellowish-white in color and are arranged in flattened cymes, which are clusters of flowers held on a flattened, branched structure. Each cyme can reach up to 2 1/2 inches across.
3. Fruits: After the flowers fade, the tree produces bluish-black fruits on red stalks. These fruits, called drupes, mature in late summer and are a favorite food source for birds. The contrast between the dark fruits and the red stalks adds visual interest to the tree.
4. Leaves: The leaves of the alternate-leaved dogwood are another distinctive feature. They are elliptic-ovate in shape and have a medium green color. The leaves can grow up to 3-5 inches long and have a smooth, wavy margin. In fall, the leaves undergo a stunning transformation, turning reddish-purple and often displaying hints of yellow or green. This fall coloration adds to the tree’s overall beauty.
5. Bark: The bark of the alternate-leaved dogwood is smooth and grayish-brown when young. As the tree matures, the bark develops shallow fissures and ridges, adding texture to the trunk.
In summary, to identify Cornus alternifolia, look for its small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers that bloom in late spring, followed by bluish-black fruits on red stalks in late summer. The tree has elliptic-ovate, medium green leaves that turn reddish-purple, often with hints of yellow or green, in the fall. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown when young, developing shallow fissures and ridges as it ages. Keep in mind that the alternate-leaved dogwood is a small to medium-sized tree with a rounded, spreading shape and horizontal branches.
