Cornus drummondii
roughleaf dogwood
Overview
Cornus drummondii is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree in the dogwood family, growing 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 m) tall and spreading by root suckers into broad thickets. The opposite leaves are oval, 1.5-5 inches (4-13 cm) long, with a rough, sandpapery upper surface and a paler, hairy underside, turning dull red to purple in autumn. In late spring and early summer, flat-topped clusters 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) wide carry many small, creamy-white, four-petaled flowers. These give way to round white drupes about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across, held on bright red stalks that persist after the fruit is eaten. The shrub grows along stream banks, fencerows, woodland edges, prairies, and disturbed ground across the central United States. It tolerates drought, heat, poor soil, and occasional flooding, and the spreading roots form dense colonies that can overtake smaller plantings. The fruit feeds many birds, while the foliage and twigs support browsing wildlife. Pruning controls the suckering spread where a single specimen is wanted.
Native Range
Native to the central United States, from the Great Lakes and Great Plains south to Texas and east to the Appalachians. It grows along stream banks, fencerows, woodland margins, prairies, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown for screening, hedgerows, bank stabilisation, and wildlife plantings on difficult, dry, or disturbed sites. Its suckering habit suits naturalised areas, shelterbelts, and erosion control rather than tidy borders. The flowers feed pollinators and the white fruit draws many songbirds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 15'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
