Quick answer: Roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) is native to 11 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: photo by John Knouse, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part shade to shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low |
| Soil | Dry to moist, alkaline (limestone-based/sandy/clay) |
| Bloom | Apr-Jul |
| Height | Up to 20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Nectar for many butterfly species, birds eat fruit, nesting habitat (e.g. Bell's Vireo) |
Colonizes by suckers -- may need management to maintain tree form
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Roughleaf dogwood
Where is Roughleaf dogwood native?
Roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) is native to 11 states across the Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Roughleaf dogwood bloom?
Roughleaf dogwood blooms Apr-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Roughleaf dogwood need?
Light: Part shade to shade. Water: Low. Soil: Dry to moist, alkaline (limestone-based/sandy/clay). Mature height: Up to 20 ft.
Is Roughleaf dogwood good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar for many butterfly species, birds eat fruit, nesting habitat (e.g. Bell's Vireo).
Is Roughleaf dogwood deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Roughleaf dogwood is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Roughleaf dogwood seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Cornus drummondii on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Roughleaf dogwood.
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- Farkleberry Vaccinium arboreum
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
Also listed under
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