[Autumn Edition] 🍂 Cornus rugosa, a North American shrub or small tree known for its large, round leaves and beautiful fall foliage 🍁

Cornus rugosa, commonly known as roundleaf dogwood, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. It's a versatile plant that adds beauty to landscapes with its unique foliage and attractive flowers.

Leaves:

The leaves of Cornus rugosa are one of its most distinctive features. They are large, simple, and oppositely arranged on the stems. The shape of the leaves is broadly elliptical to nearly round, with a distinctive abruptly tapered tip and a rounded or slightly heart-shaped base. The leaf margins are smooth, and the upper surface is a dark green color with short, appressed hairs. The lower surface is paler and covered with longer, soft hairs.

Other Features:

• Flowers: In late spring to early summer, Cornus rugosa produces clusters of small, white flowers that are arranged in flat-topped cymes. These flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Fruit: After flowering, the plant develops clusters of small, round, bluish-white berries. These berries are an important food source for birds and other wildlife.
• Fall Color: The leaves of Cornus rugosa turn a beautiful shade of red, orange, or purple in the fall, adding vibrant color to the landscape.
• Bark: The bark of young Cornus rugosa stems is smooth and greenish-brown, but it becomes rough and gray with age.
• Growth Habit: Cornus rugosa can grow as a single-stemmed tree with a vase-like form or as a multi-stemmed shrub. It typically grows 10-15 feet tall and wide.

Cultivation:

Cornus rugosa is a relatively easy-to-grow plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. Cornus rugosa is also deer-resistant and attracts a variety of beneficial insects and birds to the garden.

Overall, Cornus rugosa is a valuable addition to any landscape, providing beauty and interest throughout the year. Its unique foliage, attractive flowers, and colorful fall foliage make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike.

Ref.:

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