Pagoda Dogwood
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 15-25' tall and 20-35' wide. Usually grows as a horizontal-branched, spreading tree with low tiers of branches, or sometimes as a large shrub. Initially has a slow growth rate, but becomes medium when established. This has a medium genetic longevity potential of 100-200 years, unless brought down by twig blight or canker disease.

Native Range

Kentucky Native — New Brunswick to Minnesota south to Georgia and Alabama. Introduced 1760. Native to northern and eastern Kentucky, and much of the N.E. United States.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are yellowish-white, extremely fragrant, borne in flat-topped, 1.5-3" diameter clusters (cymes) of small, individual flowers. Effective for 7-10 days in May-early June. Fruits are showy drupes, starting green, changing to red, then finally to blue-black at maturity, bloomy, 0.25-0.33" across, July-August, not long-lasting. The fruit stalk turns a pinkish-red.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves alternate, but crowded at ends of twigs, sometimes appearing to be whorled, 2-5" long and 1-2.5" wide, with 5-6 pairs of veins, ovate, acuminate, medium to dark green, with entire margin. Petiole is 1-2" long. Fall color usually not outstanding, but can be reddish purple. Bark on first and second year stems is often lustrous brown to purple; older bark is gray and slightly ridged and furrowed. Young twigs usually greenish, reddish, or purplish.

Culture and Care

Transplant as a young plant since it develops a fibrous root system. Requires moist, acid, well-drained, cool soil. Prefers a partially shaded site, but may tolerate full sun locations. 3" of mulch is beneficial to keep roots cool and moist. Zones 3-7. Leaf spot fungus may be a problem after a wet spring, and twig blight or canker can be a serious problem after the trunk reaches a 4" diameter.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Very tolerant of shade. Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Somewhat weak-wooded. Benefits from a site protected from strong winds. Sensitive to 2,4-D herbicide drift. Not drought/heat tolerant. Songbirds love the fruits. Medium flood tolerance.

Suggested Uses

Often used for naturalizing, as a specimen in the woodland garden, or in a native plant garden, or in the shrub border, or anywhere there is a need for strong, horizontal lines, since it has such a habit.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA