Form: This is a large shrub or small tree reaching an average maximum height of 20-30 ft. It has slender branches and a flat-topped crown.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate

Shape: lanceolate to elliptical

Margin: entire

Texture: glabrous

 

Bark: The bark is green to red-brown when young and forms longitudinal furrows with age.

Twigs and buds: Twigs are red and slender. The buds show only 2-3 scales.

Flowers and fruit: It produces blue to blue-black berries and the flower is white.

Distinguishing characteristics: As the name implies, it is alternate, which is one way to distinguish it from flowering dogwood.

Range: It occurs throughout the Appalachians south into Florida, west into Mississippi, and north as far as Minnesota.

Silvics: This species is tolerant of shade and prefers moist uplands, low slopes, and coves.

Ecological and cultural importance: Various species of birds as well as black bears feed on the fruit. It is fairly resistant to dogwood anthracnose which is a fungus that hinders flowering dogwood.