Pagoda Dogwood seeds

Habitat

native to the eastern United States
zone 4

Habit and Form

a small deciduous tree
reaches a maximum height of around 25′
has horizontal or tiered branching
branching is also sympodial
shape is often somewhat irregular, but can be more or less rounded
loose and open density

Summer Foliage

alternate leaf arrangement
foliage typically whorled near the branch tips
leaves are simple, elliptic with an acuminate tip
leaves are 2″ to 5″ long and 1″ to 2.5″ wide
fairly long petiole
leaf color is medium to dark green

Autumn Foliage

not developing an outstanding impact
a mix of yellow with reddish purple mixing in
Flowers

small, white flowers
borne in flat clusters
flowering occurs in late May and early June
fragrant
flowering can be described as moderately showy

Fruit

changes from green to blue-black, passing through a reddish stage
showy color develops in late July and august, but fruits don’t persist long
fruit stalks remains and turn a pleasing coral red color

Bark

older bark is gray brown and lightly ridged and furrowed
younger bark is smooth and reddish brown

Culture

cool, moist, acidic soils are best
partial shade is ideal
full sun is acceptable if the site is not hot and dry
performs best in colder climates
Landscape Use

works best in naturalistic areas
edges of woods
edges of shaded waterways
useful for its interesting horizontal branching
as a specimen

Liabilities

somewhat short-lived
needs specific site requirements
twig blight and canker are significant problems in some locations
ID Features

a small tree or large shrub
sympodial branching
leaves whorled at the tips
reddish frit stalks
flat clusters of small white flowers in late spring
smooth reddish-brown bark on young branches
Propagation

by seed
by cuttings
Cultivars/Varieties

‘Argentea’ (also sometimes listed as ‘Variegata’) – The only commonly available cultivar, it is a rare form that is difficult to propagate and therefore fetches a high price. It is a smaller, shrubby plant (to 15′ tall) with layered branches and leaves that are handsomely variegated with a white margin. Specialty nurseries are beginning to offer this selection in greater numbers.