The roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) is a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub or medium sized slender understory tree that grows 4 to 15 feet (maximum 50 feet), with a diameter of 2 to 8 feet (maximum 10 feet).
Habitat: Found in moist woods and wooded streamsides. Not found very often in northeast Iowa.
Hardiness: Zones 4 through 9
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Shape: Ovular
Height: 15-25 feet
Width: 10-15 feet
Site Requirements: Full sun to partial shade in well drained soils, very drought tolerant
Flowering Dates: May - June
Seed Dispersal Dates: August - Winter
Seed Bearing Age: 2-6 years
Seed Bearing Frequency: Yearly
Seed Stratification: Prechill for 1 month at 40°F
The rough sandpapery upper surface of the leaves distinguishes it from other dogwoods, wooly underneath, egg-shaped or elliptic with 3 to 5 pairs of veins. The leaves are 2 to 5 inches long. The flowers bloom from May to June; small white in round clusters. The fruit are white and ripen from August to October. A native of North America and common in rich soiled woodlands.
