Rough-leaved Dogwood
cornus rugosa
Also known as: ["Round-leaved Dogwood","Roughleaf Dogwood"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its rough-textured leaves and clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by white berries in fall.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Genus: | Cornus |
| Botanical Name: | Cornus rugosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed shrub border or woodland garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in spring/summer, partial shade in hot summer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak summer heat; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Test soil pH; amend as needed; ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters and moderate summers; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from late frost; avoid placing near heat sources; monitor temperature extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; stop fertilizing in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer; layering can also be successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or coarse sand with some compost.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within a growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of oldest stems; heading back to shape; remove crossing or damaged branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage flowering.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune at the correct time; make clean cuts; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay amendments.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback in prolonged cold; delayed bud break in early spring cold snaps.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn brown; stems can become brittle; growth may slow or stop in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe winters; choose a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or scorched leaves; reduced flowering; stunted growth in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer; apply at recommended rate; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCornus rugosa berries are not toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion of these berries.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicThe berries of Cornus rugosa are not considered toxic to dogs. They are not known to cause adverse effects when ingested in small quantities.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCornus rugosa berries are generally considered non-toxic to humans and are sometimes consumed for their mild flavor. However, they are not commonly used as a food source due to their limited palatability.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Cornus rugosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: Is Cornus rugosa toxic to pets?
A: Information on toxicity to pets is currently unknown.
Q: What are the common problems with Cornus rugosa?
A: Common issues include leaf spots and wilting.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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