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Stiff Dogwood

Cornus foemina

Last reviewed: June 2026

Cornus foemina (Stiff Dogwood) is a native shrub found throughout the southeastern and south-central United States. It produces clusters of white flowers from April through June that attract bees, beetles, and wasps.

Stiff Dogwood (Cornus foemina)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Stiff Dogwood as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–240" H × 72"–180" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, wasps

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland PrairiesWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Stiff dogwood is a native shrub that produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring and early summer. It grows into a substantial rounded shrub that can reach 6-20 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for larger landscape areas where you need screening or background planting.

Growing Stiff Dogwood

Grow Stiff Dogwood in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 180 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Stiff Dogwood takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Extremely large size inappropriate for most residential settings
  • Can appear unstructured and wild
  • May be viewed as too informal for front yard landscaping

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees, beetles, and wasps during the blooming period from April through June. Birds often feed on the berries that follow the flowers in late summer.

Common questions

Where does Stiff Dogwood naturally grow?
Cornus foemina is native to 21 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
When does Stiff Dogwood bloom?
Stiff Dogwood typically blooms from April through June, producing small white flowers arranged in flat-topped clusters called cymes.
What pollinators visit Stiff Dogwood?
The flowers of Cornus foemina attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and wasps. The accessible flower structure makes it particularly valuable for smaller native bee species.
What growing conditions does Stiff Dogwood prefer?
This adaptable shrub tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and can grow in various moisture levels, though it performs best with consistent medium moisture.
Is Stiff Dogwood toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Stiff Dogwood as toxic to livestock.
Is Stiff Dogwood HOA-friendly?
Stiff 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 Stiff Dogwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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