Roughleaf dogwood facts for kids
The roughleaf dogwood (scientific name: Cornus drummondii) is a cool, small tree that loses its leaves in the fall. It's mostly found in the central parts of the United States, especially around the Great Plains and the Mississippi River.
Quick facts for kids Roughleaf dogwood |
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Cornus
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drummondii
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Contents
About the Roughleaf Dogwood
The roughleaf dogwood is a type of tree that drops its leaves each autumn. It is a small tree, usually growing to be about 15 to 25 feet (4.6 to 7.6 meters) tall. Its branches can spread out about 10 to 15 feet (3.1 to 4.6 meters) wide.
Where It Grows
This tree naturally grows in the Great Plains and Midwestern parts of the United States. You can also find it near the Mississippi River. It's not super common in the wild. You'll often see it growing along the edges of forests.
What It Looks Like
During the summer, the roughleaf dogwood produces pretty, near-white flowers. These flowers have four petals each. After the flowers bloom, small white fruits start to grow. These fruits become ripe between August and October.
Its Life Cycle
The roughleaf dogwood flowers in the warmer months of summer. Its small white fruits are an important part of its life cycle. These fruits help the tree spread its seeds. Many different animals also rely on these fruits for food.
Why It's Important
Roughleaf dogwood trees can grow very close together. When they do, they form a thick, dense area called a thicket. These thickets are great places for wildlife to hide and find shelter. More than forty different kinds of birds love to eat the fruits of this tree.
People also use roughleaf dogwoods in different ways. They are planted around parking lots to create a natural barrier. You might also see them in the middle sections of highways or near homes, decks, and patios. They are a useful and pretty tree!
