Stiff dogwood (Cornus foemina, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 4 (1768))

Family: Cornaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 4 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cornus

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. & SE. U.S.A.

Description

Stiff dogwood, with its elegant scientific name, Cornus foemina, is a distinguished member of the Cornaceae family. First chronicled by Mill. in the Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 4 (1768), this plant has long been a subject of fascination for botanists and gardening enthusiasts alike.

Native to the east-central and southeastern regions of the United States, stiff dogwood is known for its robust and resilient nature. It thrives in a variety of environmental conditions, making it a versatile addition to any garden or natural landscape. This shrub or small tree typically features ornate clusters of small white flowers that bloom in the spring, providing a striking contrast to its dark green foliage. As the seasons progress, the flowers give way to small, blue-black drupes that are favored by many bird species, enhancing biodiversity in its habitat.

Stiff dogwood can often be found in moist forests, along stream banks, and in wetland areas, where it plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Its presence helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, while also offering shelter and food for wildlife. This plant’s ability to adapt to different soil types and conditions underscores its importance and utility in ecological conservation efforts.

In managing stiff dogwood, minimal intervention is typically required, as it is inherently hardy and low-maintenance. However, for optimal growth and aesthetic appeal, it benefits from occasional pruning and adequate water supply during dry spells. Whether employed in a controlled garden setting or appreciated in its natural habitat, Cornus foemina stands out as a resilient, adaptable, and ecologically valuable plant.

Common Names

Eng: stiff dogwood, swamp dogwood
En: Stiff dogwood, Swamp dogwood
Fa: زغال‌اخته سفت

Synonyms

• Cornus cyanocarpus (J.F.Gmel.)
• Cornus coerulea (Meerb.)
• Cornus stricta (L’Hér.)
• Thelycrania stricta ((Lam.) Pojark.)
• Swida foemina ((Mill.) Rydb.)
• Cornus cyanocarpos (J.F.Gmel.)
• Thelycrania candidissima (Pojark.)
• Swida stricta ((Lam.) Small)
• Cornus striata (DC.)
• Cornus fastigiata (Michx.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 9, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2011 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)

Taken Jul 9, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Bark

Taken Jun 17, 2019 by Alyssa Bieber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 24, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 9, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jul 9, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3082230)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271575-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornus foemina Mill.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Thicket Forming

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.2

Ph minimum: 5.8