Cornus, Green Osier, Pagoda Dogwood 'Golden Shadows'

Cornus alternifolia is a highly shade tolerant forest understory tree/shrub with beautifully tiered horizontal branching (in whorls). The...Read More flowers are attractive but not very showy---it's the chartreuse variegation of the foliage and the winter architecture that are its outstanding ornamental features.

This species' strongest ornamental feature is its layered horizontal branching pattern, which accounts for the common name "pagoda dogwood". Another common name is "alternate-leaf dogwood", as it's the only member of the genus with alternate leaf arrangement.

Unfortunately, as has been known for over a century, this species is highly susceptible to Cryptodiaporthe canker. Trees routinely succumb to the disease before attaining a trunk diameter of 4".

It isn't drought tolerant and needs consistent moisture. It does best in climates with cool summers and does not tolerate the warm nights (over 70F) of the eastern US south of Z7. In many places---especially in the southern US---the leaves of this cultivar are said to burn with too much direct sun.

Cuttings can be rooted, but then usually don't emerge from dormancy the next spring. European propagators keep new rooted cuttings in active growth through their first winter, and that solves the problem.

'W. Stackman' is the cultivar name. "Golden Shadows" is a trademark.