Cornus alternifolia

Green osier

Cornus alternifolia, commonly known as Pagoda Dog, is a distinctive deciduous shrub native to North American woodlands. Characterized by its unique horizontal branching pattern, this medicinal plant has long been utilized in traditional practices. Its bark and berries offer diverse therapeutic potential, reflecting its significant role in botanical medicine.

  • Scientific name: Cornus alternifolia
  • Family: Cornaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Cornus alternifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Cornales and the family Cornaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Cornus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Cornales WCVP
Family Cornaceae WCVP
Genus Cornus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Cornus alternifolia, is recognized by various names across different linguistic traditions. In German, it is referred to as the Wechselblättriger Hartriegel, while in Czech, it can be identified as both svída střídavolistá and Swida alternifolia. It is also known by its phonetic transliterations in other languages, such as كورنوس التيرنيفوليا in Arabic (arz), コルヌス・アルテルニフォニア in Japanese (ja), and the specific designation cs: Swida alternifolia.
Language Common Name Source
de Wechselblättriger Hartriegel Wikidata
cs svída střídavolistá Wikidata
arz كورنوس التيرنيفوليا Wikidata
ja コルヌス・アルテルニフォニア Wikidata
cs Swida alternifolia Wikidata
es Cornus riparia var. rugosa Wikidata
es Cornus riparia Wikidata
es Bothrocaryum alternifolium Wikidata
es Cornejo de hojas alternas Wikidata
es Cornus riparia var rugosa Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Cornus alternifolia, exhibits a broad geographical range across several regions of Canada. In Western Canada, its presence can be found within the province of Manitoba. Moving toward the east, the species is widely distributed throughout Ontario. Its reach extends even further into the Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Finally, the plant can also be located on the island of Newfoundland in Eastern Canada.

Region Area Source
Western Canada Manitoba WCVP
Eastern Canada New Brunswick WCVP
Eastern Canada Newfoundland WCVP
Eastern Canada Nova Scotia WCVP
Eastern Canada Ontario WCVP
Eastern Canada Prince Edward I. WCVP
Eastern Canada Québec WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Iowa WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Minnesota WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Pagoda Dog, is characterized by its distinctive foliage, as the leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stems. These leaves are typically ovate or elliptical in shape, featuring smooth margins and a pointed tip, which contribute to the plant's lush appearance. In many medicinal contexts, the physiological properties of the leaves are studied, though they are most often recognized for their unique aesthetic role in the plant's structural growth.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cornus alternifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include iridolactone.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
iridolactone 1 ★☆☆☆☆