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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees
Cornus nuttallii
western dogwood, Pacific dogwood
Cornaceae
Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia to Baja California
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height20-50 feet (6-15 m)
Width15-30 feet (4.5-9 m)
Maturity12 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 9Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
Cornus nuttallii (Pacific dogwood, western dogwood) is a large deciduous tree native to the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia south to southern California, reaching 20–50 feet (6–15 m) tall and 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) wide in the wild, typically smaller in cultivation. It is the Washington State floral emblem and one of the most magnificent native flowering trees of the Pacific Northwest. In April through May, before or as the leaves emerge, 4–6 large white bracts 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long surround a central cluster of 30–40 tiny true flowers — the overall flower head can reach 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across, larger than any other dogwood species in common cultivation. A second, lighter bloom often occurs in August through September. The horizontal tiered branching pattern creates exceptional four-season architectural structure. Clusters of tightly packed red to orange-red berries 0.25 inch (6 mm) develop in fall, attracting birds. Fall foliage turns red to reddish-purple. Critical limitation in cultivation: like Cornus florida, Pacific dogwood is highly susceptible to dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva). Wild populations in PNW forests have suffered severe declines since the 1980s. In garden cultivation, the tree is more successful than in forest settings when given open, sunny, well-drained conditions with excellent air circulation — replicating the woodland edge habitat where it grows best naturally. It resents transplanting and disturbance around the root zone; nursery-grown plants establish better than collected specimens.
Native Range
Native to the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California to the mountains of Baja California. Grows naturally in the understory of moist to moderately dry mixed and coniferous forests, particularly at forest edges and in open woodlands from sea level to about 6,000 feet (1,800 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Grown primarily as a native specimen tree in woodland gardens, naturalistic landscapes, and habitat gardens in the Pacific Northwest — the Washington State floral emblem and an iconic regional native. Best in open woodland edge conditions with full sun or dappled light and good air circulation where anthracnose pressure is reduced. Provides outstanding spring bract display, potential second bloom in late summer, fall berries for wildlife, and reddish fall foliage. Essential for regionally authentic native plant gardens. Not recommended for confined urban plantings or shaded, enclosed sites where anthracnose is difficult to manage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Colors
Flower Colors
white
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
red
purple
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
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Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white bracts (4-6, unnotched)Foliage Description
medium green in summer; red to reddish-purple in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsilt
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
10-15 years
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Most successful in conditions that mimic natural woodland edge habitat: full sun to light dappled shade, well-drained soil with good organic content, and above all excellent air circulation to minimize dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) pressure. Avoid planting in enclosed corners, against walls, or under dense overhead tree canopy. Do not disturb soil over the root zone once established — roots are shallow and sensitive. Water during summer drought through the establishment period (first 3–5 years); mature trees in appropriate sites tolerate moderate drought. Monitor for anthracnose symptoms (tan leaf spots with purple margins, shoot wilt, cankers on branches) and remove affected wood promptly. In PNW lowland gardens, Cornus kousa is a more reliably anthracnose-resistant alternative. Pacific dogwood is best grown in woodland gardens where its native habitat is closely approximated.Pruning
Prune after flowering (May through June) to avoid removing next year's flower buds and to minimize disease entry points during wet weather. Remove dead or diseased branches at the collar with sterilized tools, cutting 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) below any visible anthracnose symptoms. Minimize pruning overall — Pacific dogwood does not respond well to heavy pruning and unnecessary wounds invite disease. The natural tiered form requires no corrective shaping.Pruning Schedule
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late springsummer