Toughleaf Dogwood

Cornus asperifolia

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cornaceae
Genus:
Cornus
Species:
Cornus asperifolia
USDA Symbol:
COAS2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
914 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Caloptilia belfrageella, Garman Quaker (Orthosia garmani), Leconte's haploa (Haploa lecontei), white-spot moth (Antaeotricha leucillana)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies, small mammals
Fall Color:
red, purple

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers riparian or wetland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.