This Rough-leaved Dogwood shrub was named after the 19th century botanist of Thomas Drummond, who came to the southern US and collected plant specimens. The leaves are, of course, rough to the touch. Its leaves grow 2 to 4 inches long, but seem to be more towards the smaller size. It bears pretty white berries that actually called drupes. It spreads by underground stems (rhizomes). It is very similar to the Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) that is more common and is sometimes sold by both conventional and native nurseries. The Rough-leaved is sold by a few native plant nurseries. I've seen this species so far only twice: at Morton Arboretum in the Dogwood Collection on the west side and like what was a screen of shrubs near a hotel in Elyria in northcentral Ohio off the Ohio Turnpike.

Reply to this comment

Flowers in the spring. Birds eat the berries.

Reply to this comment

Cornus drummondii, commonly known as the Roughleaf Dogwood, is a small deciduous tree that is native primarily to the Great Plains and Midwestern regions of the United States. It is also found around the Mississippi River.[2] It is uncommon in the wild, and is mostly found around forest borders. The roughleaf dogwood is used as a buffer strip around parking lots, in the median of highways and near the decks and patios of homes. It can grow to a height of 15 to 25 feet (4.6 - 7.6 m) with a spread of 10 to 15 feet (3.1 - 4.6 m). The roughleaf dogwood flowers during the summer months. It produces off-white four-petaled open flowers that are followed by small white fruits that ripen from August to October. These dogwoods can form a dense thicket that is used as a hedge, border or cover for wildlife. At least forty species of birds are known to feed on the fruits of the Roughleaf Dogwood. (Wikipedia)

Reply to this comment