Cornus nuttallii
Sold as: Bare Root Plants
Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), also known as Western flowering dogwood, is a small-to-mid-sized deciduous tree that is loaded with habitat and ethnobotanical value. It is long-lived with an attractive upright form that can be single or multi-trunked. It bears bright green leaves and white spring “flowers.” We say “flowers” in quotations because the anatomy of a dogwood “flower” is different than commonly believed: The actual flowers themselves are very small and green at the center of the white “petals,” whereas the white petals are actually oversized bracts. By fall, the leaves put on a colorful show of pinks, oranges and even purple, while clusters of bright pink-red berries provide a feast for neighborhood birds.
Classification: Perennial
Key Characteristics: Berries, white flowers
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Water Requirements: Moist to dry soil
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time: March–July
Spreads: By seed
Benefits: Wildlife, Pollinators, Beneficial insects, Wildfire resistant, Riparian zones, Deer resistant, On Portland Plant List, Hummingbirds
Edible: Yes
Mature Height: 80 feet
Mature Width: 25 feet
