Roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) is a clumping shrub or small tree, to 16 ft., that survives poor sites better than the other dogwoods. The leaves are rough textured. It does not have the large white flower of the flowering dogwood, but white flower clusters appear in May: flat-topped clusters of creamy-yellow flowers and hard, white fruit on reddish brown or gray branchlets. Fall color is purplish-red. It spreads from root sprouts and provides cover for wildlife.
 
Uses: Roughleaf Dogwood can be used for windbreaks and wetlands restoration. Wildlife benefits are food and cover. Various small birds nest in the thickets.