Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is a species of dogwood native to western North America from lowlands of southern British Columbia to mountains of southern California. An inland population occurs in central Idaho. Cultivated examples are found as far north as the Queen Charlotte Islands.

This small to medium-sized deciduous tree often has multiple trunks and and an irregular form. What appears to be its flower is actually a dense, rounded, greenish-white flowerhead composed by myriad tiny flowers; the 4 to 8 large white "petals" are actually leaves. Its fruit is a compound pink-red berry, containing 50-100 small seeds; though edible, it is not very palatable.

With its spectacular white flower arrays, bright green leaves, beautiful autumn foliage, and attractive growth form, Pacific Dogwood is among the more popular native California trees in landscaping applications. It's long-lived and easy to grow when planted in its natural range and in the right site type. It needs to be planted in cool, rich, deep and well-draining soil, in part shade, preferably among smaller companion plants, so as it matures it can reach its branches out into direct sun.

Provide occasional summer water until established; then stop all supplementary irrigation. Avoid disturbing the soil within a few feet of the trunk.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

12 - 66 ft Tall
6 - 30 ft Wide

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Green, White

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Containers

Sun

Deep Shade, Partial Shade

Water

Moderate

Summer irrigation

Never irrigate once established

Ease of care

Moderate

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to -5 - 20° F

Soil drainage

Fast

Soil description

Prefers soil that is cool, moist, deep, well-drained and high in organic matter.
Soil PH: 4 - 7

Maintenance

Prune to an open branching pattern to reduce risk of anthracnose infection.

Propagation

For propagating by seed: 3 to 4 months stratification. Scarification or first soaking in concentrated H2S04 for one hour may improve germination. Fresh seeds may need no pre-treatment (USDA Forest Service 1948).

Sunset Zones

1, 2, 4*, 5*, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23

Site type

Cool partly-shady areas, with deep, rich, well-draining soil, usually at the edge of forests

Plant communities

Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Yellow Pine Forest

Bats
Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

3 confirmed and 35 likely

Confirmed Likely

Dimorphic Bomolocha

Hypena bijugalis

Western Carpet

Melanolophia imitata

Pearsall's Carpet Moth

Venusia pearsalli

Fingered Dagger Moth

Acronicta dactylina