The name is derived from the wooden stakes and boards that were used to strengthen the banks of the river in populated areas as protection against floods.

[1] The Dřevnice originates in the territory of Držková in the Vizovice Highlands at an elevation of 568 m (1,864 ft) and flows to Otrokovice, where it enters the Morava River at an elevation of 177 m (581 ft).

[2] The longest tributaries of the Dřevnice are:[3] The most notable settlement on the river is the city of Zlín.

The river flows through the municipal territories of Držková, Kašava, Hrobice, Trnava, Březová, Slušovice, Lípa, Želechovice nad Dřevnicí, Zlín and Otrokovice.

The Slušovice Reservoir is constructed on the river and is the largest body of water in the drainage basin with an area of 75 ha (190 acres).