There has in the past been considerable confusion between this species and Cornus drummondii, with Cornus drummondii often being treated as a synonym or a variety (Cornus asperifolia var. drummondii (C.A.Mey.) J.M.Coult. & W.H.Evans). The two species are distinct[]

Common Name:

General Information

Cornus asperifolia is a deciduous shrub growing up to 4 metres tall. The plant spreads by means of rhizomatous roots from which are produced solitary, erect stems at intervals of 10 - 50cm[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It can be used in shelterbelt plantings and for soil stabilization. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast N. America - Missisippi to North Carolina, south to Florida

Habitat

Marl or limestone outcrops, hammocks, swamp margins; at elevations up to 100 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cornus asperifolia is recorded in [] as only being hardy in zone 9, which means that it is unlikely to succeed outdoors in any but the milder areas of the temperate zone. However, since its native range in southeastern USA covers hardiness zones from 7 - 9, the plant is likely to be somewhat hardier and is likely to be able to tolerate winter temperatures down to at least -10°c[].
Succeeds in full sun or light shade[[]. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility[], ranging from acid to shallow chalk[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils.
This is a fast-growing and relatively long-lived plant in the wild[].
Plants start flowering when around 150cm tall[].
Flowers are produced in spring on the ends of new growth[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The blue to whitish blue, globose fruit is 4 - 7mm in diameter; the thin layer of flesh encloses a single large seed[]. We have seen no reports regarding edibility of this fruit.

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Sometimes used in shelterbelt plantings on the plains of N. America[]. Its spreading underground stems are effective in controlling soil erosion[].

Other Uses

The straight stems were one of the favoured woods used to make arrow shafts in southeastern N. America[].

Wood - heavy, hard, strong, durable, close grained. Used for small wooden articles[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed[, ]. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors[, ]. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year[]. Scarification may also help as may a period of warm stratification before the cold stratification[, ]. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more[]. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, mid summer in a frame.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage[].
Layering of new growth in early summer/July. Takes 9 months[].