Roughleaf Dogwood Cornus drummondii

Roughleaf dogwood is a deciduous large shrub or small tree in the Cornaceae (dogwood) family usually growing up to 16 feet tall and 16 feet wide. 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. It is a member of the Cornaceae or Dogwood Family.

It is native to Southeast Canada and the Central and East-Central parts of the United States. Their habitats include rocky woodlands, floodplain woodlands, prairies, thickets, and woods near rivers and streams.

The genus name, Cornus, is Latin from the word, cornu which means "horn." This is in reference to the hardness of the wood. The species name, drummondii, references Thomas Drummond. He was an 18th-century botanist from Scotland. He came to the United States in 1830 to collect specimens of plants 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 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 and Elk may also browse the leaves. Some 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 a hedge, border, or screen.

Seasons of Interest: 

Foliage:  Fall   Bloom:  Spring and Early Summer    Fruit:  Late Summer and Fall   Bark and Twigs:  Winter

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 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 factsheet on common pests and diseases.