shrubN. America Native

Roughleaf Dogwood

Cornus drummondii

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus drummondii, commonly known as roughleaf dogwood, is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to central and eastern North America that reaches six to sixteen feet tall. It forms open, rounded thickets with green ovate leaves that turn purplish-red in fall and produces flat-topped clusters of creamy-white spring flowers followed by white berries.

Unlike flowering dogwoods that feature large petal-like bracts, this species produces flat cymes of small four-petaled flowers measuring two to four inches across. It is distinguished from similar shrubby dogwoods by its rough, sandpapery upper leaf surfaces coated in stiff hairs and its pubescent young shoots.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers rough-textured summer foliage, purplish-red fall foliage, and flat clusters of creamy-white spring flowers followed by bright white fruits.

Forms dense thickets via root suckers, making it effective for stabilizing slopes, preventing soil erosion, and naturalizing rain gardens.

Provides nectar for native bees and butterflies, while its fall drupes feed songbirds, chipmunks, squirrels, and bears.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

192"

Width

192"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in full sun to partial shade with adequate space for thicket spread.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root container and set the root crown flush with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the base to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone.
Maintain consistent soil moisture during the first season until the root system establishes.

Pro Tip

Prune root suckers at ground level in late winter to restrict thicket expansion if growing as an isolated specimen.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood.
Sever root suckers promptly at ground level if thicket formation is undesirable.
Provide supplemental water during extended summer dry spells until plants are established.

Don't

Do not apply overhead irrigation late in the day, which encourages powdery mildew.
Do not damage trunk bark with lawnmowers or string trimmers, as wounds open entry points for dogwood borers.
Do not worry about supplemental fertilizing in standard garden or restoration soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rain GardenMass PlantingErosion ControlWild & Naturalistic

Companion Plants

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Viburnum lentago Sambucus canadensis Cercis canadensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Roughleaf Dogwood questions

What zones can Roughleaf Dogwood grow in?

Roughleaf Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Roughleaf Dogwood deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Roughleaf Dogwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Roughleaf Dogwood bloom?

Roughleaf Dogwood typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Roughleaf Dogwood need full sun?

Roughleaf Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Roughleaf Dogwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Roughleaf Dogwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.