In-Depth Description
A native North American small tree found in open woods, slopes, and coastal plains from Newfoundland west to Minnesota and south to the Gulf Coast east of Louisiana. It thrives in the understory, growing best in the company of other trees. Its genus Cornus is Latin for ‘Cornu‘, which means ‘horn’ – a testament to dogwood’s tough wood. Pagoda Dogwood gets its common name from the horizontal branching that makes it look like a pagoda. Habitat-friendly, it’s a host plant for Spring Azure butterflies. Songbirds, grouse, pheasants, wild turkeys, squirrels, and a host of other wildlife relish its late summer berries. Its roots, when mixed with vinegar, produce a brown-colored dye that was used by early settlers and Native Americans. Pagoda Dogwood is often used in Japanese-style gardens because of its beautiful horizontal branching.
Blue Jay, Photo credit: Kelsey Sudol
