Family: Cornaceae, Dogwood view all from this family

Description Rough-leaf dogwood is a clumping shrub or small tree, to 16 ft., with flat-topped clusters of creamy-yellow flowers and hard, white fruit on red stalks. The upper surface of the oval leaves is covered with rough hairs while the lower surface is softly pubescent. Fall color is purplish-red.

Habitat Scrub, shrub & brushlands, Grasslands & prairies, Watersides (fresh).

Range Eastern Canada, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, Texas, Southeast, Plains.

Comments This is a very adaptable plant and is found in nature in a variety of wet to dry situations. Used in shelter belt plantings. Dogwoods can be afflicted with many disease and insect problems, but most of these are not serious if the plants are kept in good health. Maintain this species as a tree or solitary shrub by mowing or pulling surplus shoots.

Exposure Preference Sun to partial shade.

Flower April - June (in south); May - June (in north)

Native Distribution Mississippi to Texas, n. to Ontario, Ohio, Illinois & Nebraska

Site Preference Swamps & marshes; wet to dry woods & thickets; lake & stream banks; dry, limestone hills

Soil Preference Dry to moist, alkaline soils.

Wildlife Value Fruit is eaten by many birds.