Pacific Dogwood

Scientific name

Cornus nuttallii

Description

Pacific Dogwood is a short deciduous tree species that typically grows between 5 and 12 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Canadian Dogwood or Mountain Dogwood. The leaves are oppositely arranged, dark green colored, ovate shaped, have entire margins, and have attractive fall colors. The flowers are tiny, purplish green colored, appear in small clusters within six white petal-like bracts, and bloom between April and June. These flowers produce clusters of showy, bright red to orange colored fruits. The food and habitat provided by this tree are beneficial to many wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. This plant is popular for ornamental and ascetic purposes.

Planting conditions

Pacific Dogwood grows best in normal to moist conditions with partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, organically rich loam soil types. It is tolerant of shade, periodic flooding, clay, humus, and acidic soils. Established plants can tolerate drought and dry soil but young plants should be watered occasionally during hot summers. Benefits from adding a layer of mulch to keep roots moist and cool over the summer. This plant is sensitive to stresses and vulnerable to fungal diseases. This tree can be naturally found in moist forests, on gentle slopes, and along riparian areas in the Pacific Northwest.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Humus
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 5-12 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m