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Description
Cornus Alternifolia, commonly known as the Green Osier or the Pagoda Dogwood, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Cornaceae family. It is native to eastern North America and can grow up to 30 feet in height. This tree is known for its unique horizontally tiered branches that create a layered appearance. The leaves of Cornus Alternifolia are ovate in shape, with a dark green color and a glossy texture. During the summer, the tree produces clusters of small white flowers that eventually turn into blue-black berries in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
Cornus Alternifolia is a stunning tree that is perfect for any landscape. It has a unique branching structure that gives it a layered appearance. The tree has a rounded crown and can grow up to 30 feet tall and 25 feet wide. The leaves are ovate in shape, with a dark green color and a glossy texture. During the summer, the tree produces clusters of small white flowers that are followed by blue-black berries in the fall. The bark of the tree is gray-brown in color and has a scaly texture.
Care Guide
Cornus Alternifolia is a relatively low maintenance tree that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this beautiful tree:- Water: Cornus Alternifolia prefers consistently moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer to help encourage healthy growth.- Soil: Cornus Alternifolia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: This tree prefers partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Cornus Alternifolia is hardy in zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cornus Alternifolia is generally a healthy and disease-resistant tree. However, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Dogwood borer- Scale insects- Powdery mildew- Leaf spotTo prevent these issues, make sure to keep the tree healthy by providing it with proper care and maintenance.
Habitat
Cornus Alternifolia is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and along streams. This tree prefers moist soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cornus Alternifolia a good tree for small gardens?
A: Yes, Cornus Alternifolia is a great tree for small gardens due to its compact size and unique branching structure.
Q: How often should I water Cornus Alternifolia?
A: Cornus Alternifolia prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: What is the best time of year to prune Cornus Alternifolia?
A: Prune Cornus Alternifolia in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Can Cornus Alternifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cornus Alternifolia can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Cornus Alternifolia:- Cornus Florida (Flowering Dogwood)- Cornus Kousa (Kousa Dogwood)- Cornus Sericea (Redosier Dogwood)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cornus alternifolia. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286246- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Cornus alternifolia. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST573
