Bloomipedia
Alternate-leaved dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Photo: Kent P. McFarland via iNaturalist · CC0 · resized

Flower profile

Alternate-leaved dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

Native to Vermont

Alternate-leaved dogwood is a flowering plant that USDA PLANTS lists as native in the lower 48 states. In Vermont it's most often seen in bloom in May–June.

30states
1,234VT sightings*
9,952U.S. sightings*

*iNaturalist research-grade observations, as of October 17, 2026.

On our lists for: Vermont

Quick look

Cornus alternifolia is a species of flowering plant in the dogwood family Cornaceae, native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland west to southern Manitoba and Minnesota, and south to northern Florida and Mississippi. It is rare in the southern United States. It is commonly known as green osier, alternate-leaved dogwood, and pagoda dogwood.

  • It belongs to the Cornaceae family. iNaturalist
  • USDA PLANTS describes it as a shrub / a tree with a perennial life cycle. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS lists it as native in the lower 48 states and records it in 30 states. USDA PLANTS
  • NatureServe lists it as native to Vermont. NatureServe
  • In Vermont, most iNaturalist sightings of it in flower come in May–June. iNaturalist
  • USDA PLANTS lists its flower color as white. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS gives its bloom period as mid spring. USDA PLANTS
  • USDA PLANTS lists a mature height of about 25 ft. USDA PLANTS
  • iNaturalist has 1,234 research-grade sightings of it in Vermont, ranking #68 among the 110 flowers on our Vermont list. iNaturalist

Alternate-leaved dogwood gift ideas

Handmade alternate-leaved dogwood gifts from independent makers.

When does it bloom?

In Vermont, most flowering sightings come in May–June.

Flowering records by month in Vermont (iNaturalist research-grade observations marked “Flowering”) (120 records)

Conservation status

Federal (U.S. ESA)
Not listed No U.S. Endangered Species Act listing in the USFWS ECOS database. USFWS ECOS
NatureServe global
G5 Secure worldwide. NatureServe
Vermont
Not listed Not on Endangered and Threatened Plants of Vermont (10 V.S.A. chap. 123; list of Feb 10, 2022). NatureServe: S5, secure in Vermont. Vermont E&T list
Rare elsewhere
Other states where NatureServe ranks it rare or missing: FL (S2), MS (S2). (S1 critically imperiled, S2 imperiled, SH possibly extirpated, SX presumed extirpated.)

Checked October 17, 2026. Rankings and lists can change, so follow the links for the latest.

Can you eat it?

For peopleEdible (per NC State Extension)

NC State Extension notes: “The fruits are bitter and sour. They are not edible by humans, but they are a food source for grouse, pheasants, wild turkeys, and squirrels.” NC State Extension

For petsNot well documented

It isn't on the ASPCA plant list, and NC State Extension doesn't flag it for pets.

🌿 Never eat a wild plant unless you're certain of its ID; this isn't medical advice. Worried about a person? Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Worried about a pet? Call your vet.

Where does it grow?

USDA PLANTS records alternate-leaved dogwood in 30 states.

recorded by USDA PLANTS on our state lists not recorded

See the full list of states

Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Vermont counties with USDA records: Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Windham, Windsor.

More Vermont flowers

Sources