SafePlants

Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)

The Pacific Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus nuttallii, is a beautiful tree native to western North America. It is also commonly referred to as Western Dogwood, California Dogwood, Mountain Dogwood, or Nuttall Dogwood.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• While the text doesn't explicitly mention toxicity, it's worth noting that dogwoods can have small parts (seeds) that might be a choking hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cornus nuttallii
• Common Names: Pacific Dogwood, Western Dogwood, California Dogwood, Mountain Dogwood, Nuttall Dogwood, Western Flowering Dogwood
• Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood family)
• Synonyms: Cornus nuttallii Audubon ex Torr. & A. Gray, Cornus nuttallii Audub.

Distribution and Habitat

• Cornus nuttallii is native to western North America, ranging from southern British Columbia to southern California.
• It thrives in USDA zones 6-7.
• It prefers deep, coarse, well-drained soils, often found underneath Douglas-fir, grand fir, and western hemlock trees.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cornus nuttallii is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters (32 feet) tall and 7 meters (23 feet) wide.
• It grows at a medium rate and is hardy to zone (UK) 7.
• It flowers in May.
• Pacific dogwood leaves are dark green and turn orange in the fall.

Ecological Role

• Dogwood anthracnose, caused by the fungus Discula destructiva, is a disease that is migrating through eastern and western forests and killing entire dogwood populations.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The tree is commonly found growing underneath Douglas-fir, grand fir, and western hemlock trees.

Additional Information

• This species is sometimes hybridized with the Eastern North American species, Cornus florida.
• It seems to prefer West Coast growing conditions.

Resources

• USDA NRCS National Plant Data.
• Dave's Garden (website).