Species PlantsPagoda Dogwood

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

CommonPlant
Illustration of Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Pagoda Dogwood is a small native tree with distinctive horizontal, layered branches that give it a tiered appearance like a pagoda. It grows in moist, shaded forest understories across eastern North America. Its dark blue-black berries on red stalks are highly prized by migrating thrushes, vireos, and warblers in late summer.

Habitat
Moist forest understory and forest edges in eastern North America
Diet
Berries eaten by 36 bird species including thrushes, vireos, and warblers
How common
Common

Best time to see a Pagoda Dogwood

The best time to see a Pagoda Dogwood is April–June, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,760 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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