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Pacific dogwood

Scientific Name: Cornus nuttallii

Family: Cornaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)

The Pacific Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus nuttallii, is a beautiful tree native to western North America. It's cherished for its showy spring blooms and ornamental value.

Common Names

  • Pacific Dogwood
  • Mountain Dogwood
  • Western Dogwood
  • California Dogwood
  • Pacific Flowering Dogwood
  • Pacific Mountain Dogwood

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that the fruits of the Pacific Dogwood are said to be less tasty. While this doesn't necessarily indicate toxicity, it's worth noting that animals might still be tempted to ingest them.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cornus nuttallii Audubon ex Torr. &amp A. Gray
  • Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America, ranging from southern British Columbia to southern California, extending inland approximately 200 miles along the Pacific coast.
  • Found in the California mountains and the mountains that run from the Northwest through southern California.
  • Often grows on the edge of forests, alongside conifers.
  • In the Clearwater Basin, along the lower Lochsa and Selway Rivers, an inland population is classified as a coastal-disjunct species.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A deciduous tree or shrub, ranging from 2 to 20 meters (approximately 6 to 65 feet) in height. Can also be described as a small tree up to 15 metres tall.
  • Branches are arranged in a circular pattern around the tree.
  • Leaves are opposite and oval-shaped.
  • Dark brownish-black or reddish, slightly hairy bark. Small branches are gray to green.
  • Known for its showy white bracts that appear in spring, sometimes with a second bloom in early fall.

Quirky Facts

  • The Pacific Dogwood was adopted as British Columbia's floral emblem in 1956.
  • The Pacific Dogwood is protected by law in British Columbia.

Ecological Role

  • It is noted that Northwest native plant enthusiasts enjoy the blooms, but not the leaf disease which leads to browning. The specific disease mentioned is Dogwood anthracnose, a fungal disease.

Additional Information

  • Hardy to zone (UK) 7 and USDA zones 6-7.
  • Flowers in May, and the seeds ripen later in the year.
  • Prefers at least part sun and dry or well-drained soil.