The pagoda dogwood grows naturally throughout a large area of eastern North America. It is a small attractive shrub-like tree, but seldom planted in Finland. It is at its best when it has achieved its full size, the branches spreading in ascending layers and the beautiful crown at its full extent.
Small clusters of white flowers appear in early summer with the shrub in leaf. In autumn it has blue-black berries on fire-red stalks. The patterned leaves turn sparkling shades of violet, orange and yellow. In winter the attractive pattern of red-brown branches comes into its own.
Pagoda dogwood is a plant for shady boggy spots at the edge of forest or near water, not suitable for poor soil or dry spots. Given reasonable conditions it seems healthy, adaptable and sturdy. With regard to its hardiness and other characteristics, it is one of the best of the new species collected on Mustila expeditions to America.
