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Cornus alternifolia - L.f.

Common Name Green Osier, Alternateleaf dogwood, Alternate Leaf Dogwood, Golden Shadows Pagoda Dogwood, Green Osi
Family Cornaceae
USDA hardiness 3-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry woods and rocky slopes[43]. Rich woodlands and forest margins in moist well-drained soils[82].
Range Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Florida, west to Manitoba and Arkansas.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Cornus alternifolia Green Osier, Alternateleaf dogwood, Alternate Leaf Dogwood, Golden Shadows Pagoda Dogwood, Green Osi


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Cornus alternifolia Green Osier, Alternateleaf dogwood, Alternate Leaf Dogwood, Golden Shadows Pagoda Dogwood, Green Osi
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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Rounded.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Cornus alternifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Swida alternifolia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic  Antiaphonic  Astringent  Diaphoretic  Febrifuge  Ophthalmic  Poultice  Stimulant  
VD

Green osier was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who valued it particularly for its astringent bark which was used both internally and externally to treat diarrhoea, skin problems etc[257]. It is little used in modern herbalism. The dried bark is used as an astringent, diaphoretic and stimulant[213, 257]. The inner bark was boiled and the solution used as an enema[213] and this solution was also used as a tea to reduce fevers, treat influenza, diarrhoea, headaches, voice loss etc[213, 257]. It was used as a wash for the eyes[257]. A compound infusion of the bark and roots has been used to treat childhood diseases such as measles and worms[257]. It has also been used as a wash on areas of the body affected by venereal disease[257]. A poultice of the powdered bark has been used to treat swellings, blisters etc[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Dye  Wood

A light to dark-brown dye is obtained from the roots with the addition of vinegar[226]. Wood - heavy, hard, close grained. It is too small to be of commercial value, but is used locally for turnery[82, 229].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Specimen, Woodland garden. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility[1], ranging from acid to shallow chalk[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in dry soils. Succeeds in full sun or light shade[[188]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[184]. A fast-growing but short-lived species in the wild[229], it is closely related to C. controversa[200]. This species is unusual in having alternate leaves whilst almost all other members of this genus have opposite leaves[182]. Plants have a thin bark and this makes them susceptible to forest fires[229]. There is at least one named form selected for its ornamental value[188]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Attracts birds, North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed[80, 113]. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors[80, 164]. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year[164]. Scarification may also help as may a period of warm stratification before the cold stratification[80, 164]. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more[164]. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage[78]. Layering of new growth in June/July. Takes 9 months[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Subject : Cornus alternifolia  
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