Mountain Dogwood, Pacific dogwood, Western Dogwood
Cornus nuttallii
Family: Cornaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.
Cornus nuttallii is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Usually found in moist well-drained soils in the shade of coniferous trees to 1800 metres.
Western N. America - British Columbia to California and east to Idaho.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The fruit is possibly edible. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter and has a thin, mealy flesh.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The bark is antiperiodic, cathartic, febrifuge, laxative and tonic. An infusion is used as a quinine substitute in the treatment of malaria. The infusion has also been used in the treatment of stomach complaints. Externally, it is used to treat ulcers.
Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating: 3
An intense brown dye is obtained by boiling the bark. The bark is rich in tannin and has been used as a preservative. The long slender branches have been used in making baby baskets. Wood - exceedingly hard, heavy, strong, close grained. It is used for tool handles, cabinet making etc.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Specimen, Woodland garden. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility, ranging from acid to shallow chalk. Another report says that it does not thrive in poor chalky soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or light shade. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, but they require long hot humid summers in order to promote good growth. A very ornamental tree, but it is usually short-lived in Britain and does not do well in the north of this country. There is some evidence to suggest that trees grow better on poor soils and can be killed by too much kindness. A very good tree has been seen on a poor gravel soil. Closely related to C. florida. This species is the floral emblem of British Columbia. A number of named varieties have been developed for their ornamental value. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:Attracts birds, North American native, Blooms are very showy.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year. Scarification may also help as may a period of about 3 days warm stratification at 15°c before the cold stratification. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage. Layering of new growth in June/July. Takes 9 months.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist