Cornus foemina

Stiff Dogwood

This shrubby dogwood is found only in low moist woodlands and swamps. It grows with stiff, upright branches, reddish-purplish stems and dark green leaves that are one to four inches long. Creamy white flowers in cymes up to three inches across bloom in late spring. Flowers are followed by blue drupe fruits that mature in the fall.

Additional Information:
Larval host of Spring Azure butterfly.

It can be distinguished from C. racemosa, Gray Dogwood, by its blue fruit and the white pith of its stems, vs. the pale brown pith of C. racemosa's.

Height 20-30 Feet

Spread 8-10 Feet

Bloom/Seasonal Color White

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Shrubs that tolerate or thrive in moist and wet soils are limited, so this species is a valuable choice for naturalizing or planting in shrub borders in moist or soggy sites.

Good Companions American Filbert (Corylus americana), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation • FAC	Nature Attracting • Songbird • Beneficial Insects • Butterfly	Root • Fibrous
Season of Interest • Mid (May-June) • Late (July-frost)	Soil Moisture • Moderate • High	Special Features • Good Berries
Special Uses • Bog	Sun Exposure • Full Sun • Medium Sun/Average Shade	USFS MO Ecological Map • Ozark Highlands • Mississippi Aluvial Basin
Wildlife Benefit • Butterfly Host • Nesting • Butterfly Nectar • Food/Birds • Cover