Cornel Dogwood

Cornus drummondii (KOR-nus drum-MON-dee-eye)

Family: Cornaceae Native Understory (15-40 ft)

Roughleaf dogwood is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree in the dogwood family (Cornaceae) usually growing up to 16 feet tall and 16 feet wide. It is native to central North America. Its habitats include rocky woodlands, floodplain woodlands, moist prairies and thickets. The species epithet honors 19th-century Scottish botanist Thomas Drummond, who collected plant specimens from the western and southern United States. The Roughleaf Dogwood may be grown in full sun to partial shade with average medium to wet soils. It is an adaptable plant and has been found in wet and dry conditions and is poor soil tolerant. The plant grows quickly and develops suckers. It will require pruning to develop a strong structure. The shrub or tree can be propagated from seeds, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, suckers, division, and layering. The plant may be easily recognized by its rough upper leaf surfaces, small creamy-white flowers, white fruits, and purplish-red foliage in the fall. The tree has gray bark and the stems are reddish-brown. The leaves are green, rough and hairy. The flowers bloom in the spring and are creamy-white clusters on the ends of the branches. In the late summer and fall, showy white drupes appear. The fall foliage is showy and eye-catching purplish-red. The roughleaf dogwood attracts butterflies, bees, and moths for the nectar of their flowers. The fruits attract many songbirds and small mammals. Deer may also browse the leaves. Birds nest in the thickets of this shrub. Because this plant grows so quickly and suckers, it may be best used in naturalized areas versus a lawn or garden setting. It may also help stabilize banks and provide erosion control. The roughleaf dogwood will attract much wildlife as a source of food and shelter and add interest to a naturalized area. It forms a dense thicket and has been used as an informal hedge, border or screen. Quick ID Hints: shrub or tree forms a dense thicket green, rough, and hairy upper leaf surfaces and lighter green, soft hairs on the undersides purple fall foliage creamy white flowers arranged in cymes in the spring fruits are white drupes in late summer and fall spreads by root sprouts Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: The tree or shrub has no serious insect or disease problems. Pests may include beetles, mites, leafminers, borers and scale. They may be susceptible to leaf spot, twig blight, leaf blight and canker. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factshee t on common pests and diseases. More information on Cornus .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 69 attributes.