Cornus nuttallii (Pacific Dogwood)

Providing multi-season interest, Cornus nuttallii (Pacific Dogwood) is a conical deciduous tree with a dense crown and elegant horizontal or tiered branches. From mid-spring to mid-summer, a profusion of large and spectacular creamy-white blossoms, sometimes flushed with pink, appear along the branches. They consist of 4-6 large white bracts surrounding a center cluster of tiny purple-green flowers. The blossoms give way to rounded, glistening orange-red fruit in summer, which may persist until late in the year unless devoured by hungry birds. In summer, its canopy of layered branches, clad with oval, mid-green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm), provides shade and beauty. In the fall, it offers spectacular color when its foliage turns attractive shades of yellow, orange, and red. Native to western North America from the lowlands of southern British Columbia to the mountains of southern California, with an inland population in central Idaho, Pacific Dogwood occurs naturally along stream banks and in low-elevation coniferous, hardwood, and mixed coastal forests. Pacific Dogwood is the western version of Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) native to eastern North America. Long-lived and easy to grow, Pacific Dogwood is a magnificent landscape tree many gardeners consider one of the most handsome native ornamental trees on the Pacific Coast.

• Grows up to 15-40 ft. tall (4-12 m) and 10-25 ft. wide (3-8 m).
• Performs best in part shade, in fertile, humus-rich, dry to moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun but prefers part shade. Keep roots cool with mulch in summer and provide shelter in exposed locations. Some drought tolerance once established.
• Great choice as a specimen near patios or lawns, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, or naturalized areas.
• Deer resistant.
• No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
• Dogwoods are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases.
• Propagate by seed in autumn, or stratify and sow in spring, or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Native to western North America from lowlands of southern British Columbia to mountains of southern California.