There has in the past been considerable confusion between this species and Cornus asperifolia, 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: Roughleaf Dogwood

General Information

Cornus drummondii is a deciduous shrub growing from 2 - 6 metres tall. The plant can form large, dense thickets of intertwined branches, spreading by means of a rhizomatous rootstock from which are produced solitary, erect stems at intervals of 10 - 60cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It has been used in shelterbelt and erosion-control plantings, and is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central and eastern N. America - South Dakota and Ontario to New York, south to Texas and Georgia, but absent from Virginia, North and South Carolina

Habitat

Forming thickets along roadsides, limestone barrens, limestone outcrops, dry woodlands, rocky stream banks, prairies, old fields, meadows, swamp margins; at elevations up to 1,500 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Cornus drummondii is a moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to around -20°c when dormant[]. The plant withstands extreme cold and very dry spells in its native habitat[].
Succeeds in full sun or light shade, flowering and fruiting best in a sunny position[, ]. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any well-drained soil of good or moderate fertility[], ranging from acid to shallow chalk[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerant of poor soils[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
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 white, globose or subglobose fruit is 4 - 7mm in diameter, with a thin flesh enclosing a single aeed 3 - 6mm in diameter[]. We have seen no reports on edibility[].

Medicinal

An infusion of the stems has been used in the treatment of gonorrhoea[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Roughleaf dogwood forms a dense thicket of intertwined branches, making it ideal for use as a hedge, border, or as a cover for wildlife[, ].
Sometimes used in shelterbelt plantings on the plains of N. America[]. Its spreading underground stems are effective in controlling soil erosion[].

Other Uses

The wood is heavy, hard, strong, durable, close grained. It is used for making 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[].