The Japanese Pagoda Dogwood Tree (Cornus alternifolia) is an excellent native plant for the four season garden. The unique horizontal branching pattern has a distinct tiered habit, often catching snow in the winter. Clusters of white flowers show up in spring, dark green foliage turns a beautiful burgundy-red in fall, and blue-black berries attract many birds. Pagoda dogwood makes an excellent small tree or large shrub in a shade garden or for naturalizing. This tree grows at a moderate rate.