Got Nature? Blog

Some trees just don’t follow the rules. Case in point, the alternate leaved dogwood. As Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee explains, this native tree has an alternate leaf arrangement unlike its dogwood cousins in North America, which have an opposite leaf arrangement. It is still recognizable, however, by the venation running parallel to the outside edge of the leaf, and very large, egg-shaped leaves. It also has clusters of small white flowers in the spring.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources
Cornus alternifolia, The Purdue Arboretum Explorer
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources Playlist
A Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources Playlist
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources