Roughleaf Dogwood Live Stakes | Cornus Drummondii
Roughleaf Dogwood Live Stakes can be grown either as a wide shrub or as a small tree, making them a popular and practical choice for a variety of landscape applications. A lovely native to North America, this plant roots rapidly and can be found in a variety of locations growing wild.
It is resilient and can tolerate an impressive variety of conditions, lending itself to grow easily in ponds and prairies alike. When planted in simple live stake form, this shrub will take care of the rest.
Plant Details - Roughleaf Dogwood Live Stakes (Cornus Drummondii)
Family: Cornaceae
Light Requirement: Full Sun – Partial Shade
Water Needs: Medium
Height: 6-16 ft.
Spread: 6-12 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate - Fast
Bloom Time: Late Spring – Early Summer
Flower Color: White
Wildlife Value: attract all pollinators, provides food to local fauna, shelter for wildlife
Growing about as wide as it grows tall, this shrub provides incredibly helpful shelter for all sorts of local critters in a habitat. It fills the space where it is grown very nicely, pushing out lightly scented flower clusters that attract pollinators in the spring and summer.
Its simple leaves grow opposite on green branches with pronounced veins that are well-known to the Cornus plant genus. Later in the season, the flowers give way to a type of fruit called drupes, identified by their single central stone-like seed.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Roughleaf Dogwood Live Stakes (Cornus Drummondii)
While not picky about its planting location, this plant requires regular watering, some hours of daily sunlight, and light pruning in the late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
If planting Roughleaf Dogwood Live Stakes in a drier location, it is recommended to apply mulch around the base of the stem to lock in moisture. This shrub is most often grown for ornamental uses due to its natural beauty and native charm, but its robust roots also make this a wonderful choice to grow in unstable soil spots such as slopes.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Cornus Drummondii
Roughleaf Dogwood Live Stakes gets its name from the scratchy leaf surface. When grown as a shrub or tree, these leaves form dense clumps, creating a solid silhouette. The foliage turns to a reddish color late in the season, providing fall interest.

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What are the benefits of roughleaf dogwood?
Roughleaf Dogwood offers many benefits, including attractive white blooms in spring and clusters of white berries that feed birds. Its dense growth provides excellent cover for wildlife and helps prevent soil erosion. It’s hardy, low-maintenance, and adds year-round beauty to natural landscapes.
Where to plant rough leaf dogwood?
Roughleaf Dogwood grows best in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It thrives along streams, fence lines, or woodland edges where it has space to spread. Its adaptability and toughness make it ideal for both naturalized and landscaped settings.
How big do roughleaf dogwoods get?
Roughleaf Dogwoods typically grow 10 to 15 feet tall with a similar spread. They form a rounded, multi-stemmed shape that provides excellent coverage. Their white blooms and berries add beauty and wildlife value to any landscape.
Exposure
Roughleaf Dogwood live stakes thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They prefer locations with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. Adequate light promotes healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Height at Maturity
Under 25 Feet
Usage
Wetland
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
4-9
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Live Tree Stakes
Live tree stakes are cuttings from dormant hardwood trees that can be planted directly into the soil to root and grow into mature trees—an excellent method for erosion control, streambank stabilization, and natural habitat creation. Common species used for live staking include willow, dogwood, and cottonwood, all known for their ability to root quickly in moist environments.
To plant live tree stakes, choose a site with moist, well-drained soil and good sun exposure. Stakes should be 2–3 feet long and about ½–1 inch thick, with healthy bark and no signs of disease. Insert each stake into the ground with the cut (bottom) end down, leaving only the top 2–3 inches exposed above the soil. At least two-thirds of the stake should be buried to ensure strong root development.
Water well after planting, especially in dry conditions, and keep the area weed-free while the stake establishes. No fertilizer is needed. With the right conditions and proper planting, live tree stakes will root and grow into vigorous, self-sustaining trees that support the land and local ecosystem.