Field Guide: Trees and Shrubs

Home   Introduction      Field Guide       List    Urban Wildlife     Glossary      Links         References

 

Alternate Leaf Dogwood

 

 

 

 

 

 

You found Alternate-Leaf dogwood (Cornus alternifolia).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This shrub or small tree has alternate, simple leaves that are 2½ to 4½ inches long (7).  There are 5 or 6 lateral veins on each side that are distinctly curved and are nearly parallel to the margins at the end. The dogwood flowers from May to July. The fruits are berry-like and mature in the late summer. It is shade tolerant.