Cornus

This small, native tree is worthy of a place in the landscape. Pagoda dogwood derives it name from the spreading, horizontal branches which give the tree a tiered, architectural look. Bears flat clusters of fragrant, lacy, creamy white flowers in late spring which in late summer become decorative clusters of dark purple fruit. The fruit is eagerly consumed by birds, leaving behind sprays of bright red fruit stalks which are themselves ornamental. The fall foliage color is burgundy to maroon, muted but attractive. In winter, the distinctive form of the tree, coupled with its lustrous brown to purple stems and smooth, citrus tree-like bark add garden interest. Prefers cool, moist, acidic soil, in full sun or light shade. Does not like hot, dry locations. The tree has a tendency to lean toward the light if it is strongly directional. This tendency may be avoided by careful siting of the tree or by training the tree while it is young.

Bunchberry is a true dogwood, and in flower, foliage, and fruit it much resembles an exquisite miniature version of a flowering dogwood tree. The shiny dark green leaves of this beautiful ground cover change to red in the fall. Small, striking white flowers contrast with the dark foliage from May through June, followed by showy scarlet berries which remain on the plant until eaten by birds. In its favored environment of moist, acidic soil rich in organic matter bunchberry can spread, slowly, to form an elegant, carpet-like ground cover. Prefers a cool environment and part shade - an excellent choice for planting under pines and other acid-loving evergreens. Fairly exacting in its requirements, yet once bunchberry is established in a suitable location it is rugged, long-lived, and requires little care.

Very sought after landscape tree with a short trunk and a spreading habit. Branches arranged in tiers in a compact form with bark in broken up in small blocks reminiscent of alligator skin, giving it textured, sculptural appearance. Produces 4” white flowers with yellow centers which bloom for 2-3 weeks in mid-spring before the new foliage unfolds, followed by bright clusters of scarlet fruit which can persist into the winter, though normally the birds eat the fruit briskly in the fall, Colors early in the fall with a reddish-purplish color that last for an extended period. Hardwood was used for loom shuttles and spindles. Twigs used as toothbrushes when chewed. Bark contains verbenalin which has pain reducing, anti-inflammatory properties. Prefers cool, moist, acidic soil, and tolerates shade. Does not like heat, drought, salt, and pollution Can develop diseases.

An exceptionally beautiful small tree. Resembles our native flowering dogwood, Cornus florida in the general size and shape of the tree, having a pleasing tiered structure with horizontal branches and neat foliage. The showy white flowers also resemble those of our native dogwood. Cornus kousa, however, flowers later, in June here, after the tree is in full leaf. A mature specimen in flower is a glorious sight. The white flowers develop a shell pink color as they age, and persist for weeks. In fall the fruits, which look rather like long-stemmed cherries, turn bright red. A tree laden with ripe fruit is so attractive that it is difficult at times to decide whether the tree is more ornamental when in flower or in fruit. Furthermore, the fruits are sweet and edible, and are also enjoyed by birds. Cornus kousa is also considered more cold hardy and more resistant to pests and diseases than our native flowering dogwood.