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Description
Cornus Drummondii is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Cornaceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly known as Roughleaf Dogwood. This plant is named after Thomas Drummond, a Scottish naturalist who collected plants in Texas in the 1830s. Cornus Drummondii is a versatile plant that can be used for various purposes, such as erosion control, wildlife habitat, and ornamental landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
Cornus Drummondii can grow up to 15 feet tall, but it usually ranges from 6 to 10 feet. It has a spreading habit and can form dense colonies through suckering. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate to elliptic in shape. They are dark green in color and have a rough texture. In the fall, the leaves turn a reddish-purple color. The flowers are small, white, and arranged in cymes. They bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruits are small, round, and white to blue-black in color. They ripen in late summer to early fall and are an important source of food for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
Water: Cornus Drummondii prefers moist to wet soil, but it can tolerate some drought once established. It is important to water the plant regularly during the first few years of growth to promote healthy root development.
Fertilization: Cornus Drummondii does not require much fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote growth and flowering.
Soil: Cornus Drummondii grows well in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained, acidic soils. Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter and has good drainage.
Sunlight: Cornus Drummondii can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it will produce more flowers and fruits in full sun.
Hardiness Zones: Cornus Drummondii is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cornus Drummondii is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. To prevent these issues, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and has good air circulation. Prune any diseased branches and dispose of them properly.
Habitat
Cornus Drummondii is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, stream banks, and other moist areas. It is an important plant for wildlife habitat, as it provides food and cover for birds and other animals. It can also be used for erosion control in riparian areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cornus Drummondii grow in containers?
A: It is not recommended to grow Cornus Drummondii in containers, as it prefers to spread through suckering.
Q: Can Cornus Drummondii tolerate salt spray?
A: No, Cornus Drummondii is not salt-tolerant and should not be planted in areas with salt spray.
Q: How often should I prune Cornus Drummondii?
A: Cornus Drummondii does not require much pruning, but you can prune it in the late winter or early spring to promote new growth and remove any dead or diseased branches.
Q: Can I propagate Cornus Drummondii from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate Cornus Drummondii from softwood or hardwood cuttings in the summer or fall.
Related Plants
- Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
- Cornus sericea (Redtwig Dogwood)
- Cornus alba (Tatarian Dogwood)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Cornus Drummondii
- USDA NRCS: Cornus Drummondii
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Cornus Drummondii
