Cornus nuttallii – Pacific Dogwood

Description

Cornus nuttallii – Pacific Dogwood

Large White Flowers & Layered Form – A Striking Native North American Dogwood

Botanical Name: Cornus nuttallii

Common Name: Pacific Dogwood, Western Flowering Dogwood

Origin: Western North America

Description:

Cornus nuttallii is a spectacular deciduous tree admired for its dramatic floral display, elegant tiered branching, and seasonal interest. Known as the Pacific Dogwood, this North American native produces large, showy white bracts (often mistaken for petals) that can measure up to 10–15 cm across, blooming in spring and sometimes repeating again in early autumn under the right conditions.

This dogwood is prized for its distinctive horizontal branching, which gives it a graceful, layered appearance, perfect for feature planting or as a specimen tree in parkland, woodland, or spacious gardens. Its dark green foliage provides a lush summer canopy and transforms into warm shades of orange, red, and burgundy in autumn. Small red berries follow the flowers, attracting native birdlife.

Cornus nuttallii prefers cool, temperate climates and is best suited to well-drained, humus-rich soils in a protected garden setting.

Specifications:

• Height at Maturity: 6 – 10 metres

• Width at Maturity: 4 – 6 metres

• Growth Habit: Upright to rounded with layered, horizontal branches

• Foliage: Deciduous – dark green turning orange, red, and burgundy in autumn

• Flowering: Spring (September–October), with occasional repeat bloom in autumn

• Bracts: Large white to creamy-white, surrounding a small central flower cluster

• Fruit: Small, red berries – ornamental and bird-attracting

• Bark: Greyish brown; develops rugged texture with age

Position & Uses:

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade (prefers some protection from harsh afternoon sun)

• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils

• Uses:

◦ Specimen or feature tree

◦ Understorey planting in larger gardens

◦ Woodland or naturalistic landscapes

◦ Bird-friendly and pollinator gardens

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Maintenance:

• Low-maintenance once established

• Mulch annually to maintain soil moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations

• Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape and remove deadwood

• Avoid hot, dry, exposed sites

Climate & Tolerance:

• Best in cool to temperate climates

• Tolerates light frost; not suitable for hot or tropical regions

• Sensitive to drought – requires consistent moisture in dry periods

Key Benefits:

• Stunning white spring flowers

• Unique layered branching structure

• Brilliant autumn foliage and wildlife appeal

Add structure, colour, and elegance to your garden with Cornus nuttallii, a refined and ornamental tree for cool-climate gardens – available now at Blerick Tree Farm.