Cornaceae: Cornus drummondii
Files
Family Name
Cornaceae
Common Name
Roughleaf dogwood, stiff dogwood
Description
Cornus drummondii is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching 3 to 7 meters tall. The bark is grayish-brown and becomes deeply furrowed and scaly with age. Roughleaf dogwood is characterized by stiff, rough-textured leaves that are opposite, simple, ovate to elliptical, typically 7 to 12 centimeters long and 3 to 6 centimeters wide, with petioles 1 to 2.5 centimeters long, with prominent veins and a slightly hairy underside. The margins are entire to slightly wavy. Flowering occurs in late spring (May to June) with flat-topped cymes of small, creamy white flowers about 5 to 7 millimeters in diameter. Flowers have four petals approximately 2 to 3 millimeters long and 1 to 1.5 millimeters wide and four green sepals about 1.5 to 3 millimeters long. There are eight stamens inserted around the superior ovary, with filaments about 2 to 4 millimeters long and small, yellowish anthers. The pistil is composed of a single ovary with a slender style and a slightly lobed stigma. The fruit is a globose, white to cream-colored drupe about 8 to 10 millimeters in diameter that matures from late summer into early fall. Roughleaf dogwood is native to the central United States and occurs in eastern South Dakota, typically in upland woods, prairies, and along streams.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Seeds mature when drupes change color to dark purple or blue-black, typically in early fall; collect ripe fruits for seed extraction.
Germination: Seeds require cold stratification of 90–120 days and should be sown in fall or stratified before spring planting.
Vegetative Propagation: Commonly propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings, root suckers, or layering.
Soils: Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter but tolerates a variety of soil types including clay and loam.
Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Water: Prefers consistent moisture but tolerates periodic drought once established.
Additional Notes
Roughleaf dogwood is valued for erosion control, soil stabilization and native landscaping. Its fruits are an important food source for birds and small mammals. The shrub provides cover and nesting sites for wildlife.