Cornus rugosa aka Round Leaf Dogwood

Cornus rugosa is a deciduous shrub called round-leaved dogwood. It belongs to the dogwood family, Cornaceae. Its native range spans central and eastern Canada. It also grows across north-central and eastern parts of the United States. This temperate plant lives in dry woods and on rocky slopes. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The shrub grows upright and reaches about 10 feet [3 metres]. Its leaves fall for winter. The supplied sources give few details about its bark or leaves. White flowers appear in May and June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the blooms. The plant attracts birds, though the evidence gives no details about their use of it. Fruit flesh can slow seed germination, so growers remove it before sowing.

This dogwood grows in full sun or partial shade. It suits woodland edges and sites with dappled light. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. It accepts soils with good or moderate fertility. These include sand, loam, and heavy clay. It also tolerates poor drainage and shallow chalk soils. Its soil range extends from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Chicago Botanic Garden lists moist soil for cultivation. Plants For A Future also reports success in dry soil. Chicago lists USDA hardiness zones 5–7.

Gardeners can use this upright shrub as a hedge or screen. It also serves as a stand-alone specimen. Its white blooms and appeal to birds add garden value. The evidence gives no species-level list of pests or diseases. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. Fresh seed can go into a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. Stored seed needs three to four months of cold treatment. Even with treatment, germination can take 18 months or longer.

Plants For A Future lists no known edible uses. It also reports no known hazards, which does not establish safety for people or pets. The same source records past medicinal uses of bark and roots. People used the bark as a laxative and fever remedy. They also used root preparations for kidney complaints and tuberculosis. These records describe past use, not proof of safe or effective treatment.