There may be room on your property, however, for a small native tree or shrub to provide shade on hot summer days. Pagoda dogwood, also called alternate leaf dogwood because of the way the leaves are arranged on its branches, is not the only native tree or shrub that grows well in a small yard. Other favorites include serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), Canadian elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), eastern white cedar (Western thuja) and nannyberry (Viburnum lantana) There is likely a native tree or shrub suitable for most Ottawa gardens, regardless of light, soil and space conditions.
