Cornus foemina is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6-16 feet (1.8-4.9 meters) tall and 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters) wide. It has a multi-stemmed growth habit with an irregular crown. The leaves are oval-shaped and arranged oppositely on the stems. The flowers are small, white, and arranged in clusters. The fruit is a small, blue-black drupe.