Etymology: Cornus: Latin cornu for "horn," probably referring to the hardness of the wood
Plants: perennial, 3' - 10' tall shrub; stems green, smooth with warts
Leaves: opposite, stalked, broadly ovate, pale and softly hairy below, 2"-6" long
Flowers: white, 4-parted; inflorescence a 1 1/2" - 2 1/2" rather dense, branched cluster (cyme); blooms May-June
Fruits: light blue berry
Habitat: shade
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 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. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"