Cornus nuttallii

Common Names

Pacific Dogwood, Mountain Dogwood, Western Flowering Dogwood, Nuttall's Dogwood

Summary

Cornus nuttallii, commonly called Pacific Dogwood or Mountain Dogwood, is a deciduous tree native to western North America, from southern British Columbia to California and inland to Idaho. It grows as a shrub- or tree-like form with a broad canopy and often multi-trunk habit, and features showy flower heads formed by 4–8 large white bracts surrounding a dense cluster of tiny green or purple flowers, followed by bright red drupes. Leaves are opposite and oval, and the species offers good fall color and ornamental appeal, often occupying moist forest or streamside habitats.

In cultivation it prefers fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils and can tolerate sun to partial shade, with a pH of 4–7; keep soil evenly moist, with some drought tolerance once established. Pruning is minimal, and propagation can be by seed sown in autumn (or stratified and sown in spring) or by semi-hardwood cuttings; mulching and avoiding overhead watering help reduce disease risk. It provides wildlife value through nectar for pollinators and fruit for birds, and is commonly used in cottage and woodland garden settings and in landscape plantings along streams or shaded areas.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

26.5-39.5 feet

Spread

13-26 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH (about 5.5–6).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.1-6.0, Acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Orange, Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering, Root crown sprouts/vegetative sprouting, Micropropagation

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds