Etymology: Cornus: Latin cornu for "horn," probably referring to the hardness of the wood
Plants: perennial, 6'-15' tall shrub, with smooth, gray twigs
Leaves: opposite, stalked, oval to lance-like with a long tip, pale below, 1.5"-4" long
Flowers: white, 4-parted; inflorescence a loose, branched cluster (cyme); blooms May-June
Fruits: white berry, on red stems
Conservation Status: Native - potentially invasive

- leaves not rough to touch on top

- leaves with 3-4 pairs lateral veins

- leaves narrowly ovate with acuminate tip

- calyx lobes < 8 mm long

- style not swollen below the stigma

- pith white to becoming light tan in older twigs/branches

- inflorescence convex to pyramidal

- fruit white on bright red pedicles

 

 

 

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 2, Wetland Indicator = FACW- WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Shrubs: Photos, descriptions, information USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry, College of Natural Resources: detailed description and photographs Landscape Plants of the Upper Midwest; UW-Extension: Interactive guide providing information on cultivation including: soil, zone, growth rate, landscape uses, pruning, light requirements; with photos and Latin name pronounciation