Roughleaf dogwood

Roughleaf dogwood is a deciduous native shrub or small tree that often forms colonies. Its rough-textured leaves, pale flower clusters, and white fruit provide interest across the growing season, with fruit that attracts birds. ## Form and seasonal interest Plants typically grow 6–15 feet tall and about as wide. Yellowish-white flowers appear in clusters, followed by white fruit. The upper leaf surface feels rough, and foliage can develop reddish-purple fall color. [Missouri Botanical Garden](https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?chr=38&cn=1&cv=4&isprofile=1&n=1&pt=4&taxonid=295802) ## Siting Roughleaf dogwood adapts to wet or dry sites but performs best in moist soil; Oklahoma State lists it for shade. Use it where its spreading, suckering growth can form a naturalized edge or wildlife planting rather than in a tightly clipped bed. [Oklahoma State University Extension](https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/drought-tolerant-plant-selections-for-oklahoma) ## Maintenance Water young plants during dry weather while roots establish. Allow room for new shoots and remove suckers only when they extend beyond the intended planting area. Kew recognizes Cornus drummondii as an accepted North American shrub or tree in Cornaceae. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn%3Alsid%3Aipni.org%3Anames%3A271556-1/general-information).