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
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