Cornus alternifolia
'Argentea'
A large shrub or small tree with horizontal tiered branching. The overall limb structure is that of an intricate network of smaller branchlets.
Late spring early summer blooms are 3-5" wide cymes and are borne upright on the branch tips. Individual diminutive florets are a mass of cream white.
The small teardrop shaped leaves are quite delicately arranged and present a very softly textured style. The color contrast between a whimsically patterned dark green center and the wide white leaf margin produces a stunning look.
Small blue-black fruit towards autumn.
Height 10 to 17' Width 12 to 15'
4 to 9
Attracts birds and pollinizers.
It should be noted here that while there are many similarities at first glance between this form and its cousin, Cornus controversa Variegata. Argentea has proven to be considerably hardier and a slower smaller stature tree than the Asiatic type.