Family: Cornaceae
Author: Audubon ex Torr. & A.Gray
Bibliography: Fl. N. Amer. 1: 652 (1840)
Year: 1840
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cornus
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.
Description
Pacific dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus nuttallii, is an enchanting tree native to the western regions of North America, from western Canada down to the western United States. This splendid plant belongs to the Cornaceae family and was comprehensively documented in the Flora of North America in 1840 by Audubon ex Torr. & A. Gray.
Renowned for its striking beauty, the Pacific dogwood displays an ornate array of petal-like bracts, usually stark white, which surround its central cluster of tiny, inconspicuous flowers. The tree typically blossoms in the spring, transforming landscapes with its radiant, showy blooms that provide a mesmerizing contrast against the deep green foliage.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Cornus nuttallii plays a valuable role in its native habitat. It offers vital support to local wildlife; birds, in particular, are drawn to its bright red berries that ripen in the fall. As the seasons change, its leaves take on brilliant shades of orange and red, further enhancing its visual allure and making it a year-round spectacle.
Ecologically, the Pacific dogwood is adapted to thrive in the temperate climates of the coastal regions it calls home. It prefers well-drained soils with good moisture levels and often finds its niche in forest understories or along the edges of forest clearings where it can receive dappled sunlight.
Despite its natural charm and ecological benefits, cultivation of Cornus nuttallii can present some challenges. It is somewhat sensitive to drought and diseases such as dogwood anthracnose, which can cause leaf spots and dieback. However, with proper care and suitable environmental conditions, it can make a robust and resilient addition to both natural and cultivated landscapes.
In summary, the Pacific dogwood is a cornerstone species within its native range, celebrated for its striking flowers and ecological contributions. Whether standing sentinel in a woodland setting or gracing a garden with its seasonal displays, Cornus nuttallii remains a beloved and iconic tree of the Pacific Coast.
Common Names
Eng: pacific dogwood
En: Pacific Dogwood
: Pacific dogwood
Synonyms
- Benthamidia nuttallii ((Audubon ex Torr. & A.Gray) Moldenke)
- Cynoxylon nuttallii ((Audubon ex Torr. & A.Gray) Shafer)
- Benthamia nuttallii ((Audubon ex Torr. & A.Gray) Nakai)
Distribution
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Oct 12, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Veronique Boulanger (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 1, 2022 by Veronique Boulanger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Veronique Boulanger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2022 by Eugenio Diaz Ferreiro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by sebastien latxague (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2022 by sebastien latxague (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 24, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 19, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Alvaro Delgado (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Donna Steeves (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2020 by eiseli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by M Ondrej (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 12, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2020 by eiseli (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8288790)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:66154-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornus nuttallii Audubon ex Torr. & A.Gray)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.3
Ph minimum: 4.9