Drummond's Dogwood
Cornus drummondii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cornus drummondii is a native shrub producing white flower clusters from May through July across the central and southeastern United States. This adaptable dogwood thrives in various conditions and supports native pollinators including bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Drummond's Dogwood as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–240" H × 72"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, GA, IA and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Drummond's dogwood is a native shrub that forms dense thickets through underground runners. It produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring and summer, followed by white berries that attract birds.
Growing Drummond's Dogwood
Grow Drummond's Dogwood in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 240 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Drummond's Dogwood takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively by underground runners
- Can reach 20 feet tall and wide
- Forms wild-looking thickets
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during the long bloom period from May through July. Birds eagerly consume the white berries in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- When does Drummond's Dogwood bloom?
- Cornus drummondii blooms from May through July, producing clusters of small white flowers that attract various native pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Drummond's Dogwood?
- This native shrub attracts bees, beetles, and flies with its abundant white flower clusters during the summer blooming period.
- Where is Cornus drummondii native?
- Drummond's Dogwood is native to much of the central and southeastern United States, including states from Texas and Oklahoma north to the Dakotas and east to Pennsylvania and Georgia.
- What growing conditions does Drummond's Dogwood prefer?
- This adaptable shrub tolerates full sun to partial sun and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils, making it suitable for diverse landscape conditions.
- Is Drummond's Dogwood toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Drummond's Dogwood as toxic to livestock.
- Is Drummond's Dogwood HOA-friendly?
- Drummond's Dogwood takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Drummond's Dogwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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