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Audubon® Pagoda Dogwood
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An old name for Pagoda Dogwood is “Pigeonberry”—a reference to the fact that Passenger Pigeons once adored the fruits. Those days are over, because hunting and deforestation drove our native passenger pigeons to extinction in the 1800s. They will never grace our skies again. Pigeonberry still has a role to play today, however. This valuable tree feeds a host of other birds, including robins, wrens, mockingbirds, vireos, cardinals, grosbeaks, orioles, waxwings, and many more who find the blue-black drupes delectable. Be a force for good in the world—nourish your neighborhood birds with native dogwoods like this one!
May Benefit & Attract: Thrushes, waxwings, wood warblers, finches, mockingbirds & thrashers, chickadees & titmice, orioles, cardinals & grosbeaks, crows & jays, sparrows, nuthatches, vireos, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and wrens.
Take Birds Under Your Wing
New! Introducing our bird-friendly collection of Audubon® Native Plants & Trees
- Better for Birds, 100% Neonic-Free
- Not Available in non-native regions, states or counties (see Native Regions map)
Bower & Branch is proud to grow Audubon® Native Plants for Birds in partnership with the National Audubon Society to help birds and other wildlife thrive.
- The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow
- This bird-friendly native plant provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
- Your purchase and planting of this native flora directly supports Audubon’s conservation mission and impact
- Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program
- Audubon Native Plants & Trees are free of neonicotinoids and exclusively grown by Bower & Branch
Audubon® is a licensed and registered trademark of the National Audubon Society. All rights reserved.
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Size AA (2-3' tall) container grown
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Size C (6-8' tall) balled & burlapped
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 3-7
- Spacing: 20-25'
- Exposure: Sun or Shade
- Show more ›
Recommended by Our Growers
The Story
Pagoda Dogwood’s species name, alternifolia, refers to the fact that it’s the only dogwood with leaves arranged alternately, or in zigzag fashion along the branches. If you examine any other dogwood—Flowering Dogwood, Japanese “Kousa” Dogwood, even the shrubby Red-Twigs—you’ll see that the leaves are arranged in pairs. Though a native tree, Pagoda Dogwood hasn’t played much of a role in American history. The wood is too spindly to build with, and the fruits are too icky to eat. Birds, squirrels, and bears have enjoyed having this one all to themselves.
The Details
Quite a lot of stuff going on with this one! Clusters of fragrant small white flowers appear in spring. Medium to dark green foliage endures throughout spring and summer changing to yellow with a mix of red and purple. Green fruit changes to red then to blue-black only to be gobbled up by our feathered friends. Native to the eastern U.S., this tree is best used in naturalistic settings, edges of woods, or as a specimen.
How to Grow
Pagoda Dogwood grows wild from Minnesota to Alabama, though it does better in the northern part of its range. It likes cool summers, consistent moisture, and some shade. Its natural habitat is along the margins of swamps (but not in them) or in the forest understory. A canker can be troublesome with this species. The best defense is to keep the tree healthy and vigorous—mulch, regular water, and good drainage are key. Be sure to plant it where you can watch the birds feast on the fruits!
More Info
Size Guide
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