Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Western Dogwood (Cornus sericea ssp. occidentalis) is a native shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is moderately fast growing and long-lived. It grows in a semi-upright form to a height of 16 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are white and striking, and bloom in the summer. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in moist places, at elevations from 0-8000 feet.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

8 - 16 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

White, Cream

Flowering season

Summer

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

High

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Tolerant of a variety of soils as long as sufficient moisture is available.

Site type

Moist places

Plant communities

Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Bats
Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 39 likely

Confirmed Likely

Forbes' Acleris Moth

Acleris forbesana

Fingered Dagger Moth

Acronicta dactylina

Funerary Dagger Moth

Acronicta funeralis

Triton Dagger Moth

Acronicta grisea