Contents
Description
Graderia Scabra, commonly known as the roughleaf dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Cornaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, forests, and along streams and rivers. The shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide, with a multi-stemmed, spreading growth habit. The leaves are oval-shaped, 3-6 inches long, and have a rough texture. The flowers are small and white, blooming in late spring to early summer, followed by blue-black berries in the fall. The roughleaf dogwood is a valuable plant for wildlife, providing food and habitat for birds and mammals.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Graderia |
Appearance
The roughleaf dogwood is a deciduous shrub with a spreading growth habit. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide, with a multi-stemmed trunk. The leaves are oval-shaped, 3-6 inches long, and have a rough texture. They are dark green in the summer and turn reddish-purple in the fall. The flowers of the roughleaf dogwood are small and white, blooming in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a blue-black berry, which is a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
The roughleaf dogwood is a low-maintenance shrub that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some care tips to help your plant thrive:- Water: The roughleaf dogwood prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: The roughleaf dogwood prefers moist, well-draining soil but can tolerate a range of soil types.- Sunlight: The roughleaf dogwood can grow in full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The roughleaf dogwood is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The roughleaf dogwood is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few issues to watch out for:- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Treat with a fungicide if necessary.- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease.- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing curling and distortion. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
Habitat
The roughleaf dogwood is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, forests, and along streams and rivers. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate some flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the roughleaf dogwood a good plant for wildlife?
A: Yes, the roughleaf dogwood is a valuable plant for wildlife, providing food and habitat for birds and mammals.Q: What is the growing range of the roughleaf dogwood?
A: The roughleaf dogwood is hardy in zones 3-8.Q: What are some common pests and diseases of the roughleaf dogwood?
A: Powdery mildew, leaf spot, and aphids can be issues for the roughleaf dogwood.Q: What is the growth habit of the roughleaf dogwood?
A: The roughleaf dogwood is a multi-stemmed shrub with a spreading growth habit.
Related Plants
– Cornus alternifolia (pagoda dogwood)- Cornus amomum (silky dogwood)- Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)- Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood)
References
– Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation, and Uses. Stipes Publishing, 2009.- Missouri Botanical Garden. “Graderia Scabra.” https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277980&isprofile=0&– USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Graderia Scabra.” https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=GRSC
