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Pacific Dogwood

Cornus nuttallii

The Pacific Dogwood is a beautiful tree with lovely white flowers that bloom in spring. Its branches are strong and can grow quite tall, making it a favorite in forests and parks.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Pacific Dogwood is a medium-sized tree with striking white or pinkish petal-like bracts surrounding tiny yellow-green flowers. Its large, dark green leaves turn vivid red and purple in autumn, complemented by clusters of bright red berries.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCornalesFamilyCornaceaeGenusCornus
Pacific Dogwood
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badge
Pacific Dogwood

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its big white 'petals' are actually modified leaves called bracts!

Its wood is incredibly hard, once used for golf club heads and tool handles!

Native peoples made dyes from its bark and used parts for traditional medicines.

The name 'dogwood' may come from 'dagwood,' meaning strong wood for skewers!

Special abilities

Ability

Pollinator Lure

Pacific Dogwood has huge white 'petals' (bracts) that cleverly attract insects for pollination even though its true flowers are tiny.

Ability

Berry Beacon

This tree produces bright red berries that signal to birds they are ripe for eating, helping the tree spread its seeds far and wide.

Ability

Autumn Showstopper

Its leaves transform into brilliant red and purple hues each fall, making it stand out and prepare for winter dormancy.

Measurements & details

Height
500-2000 cm
Spread
300-1000 cm
Flower Size
5-10 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Eats bright red berries for food.

eaten by

Western Gray Squirrel

Sciurus griseus

Consumes its seeds, aiding in dispersal.

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits tiny flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Western Bumblebee

Bombus occidentalis

Helps spread pollen between flowers.

Traits

Also known as

Western Dogwood

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't climb too high in trees, and watch out for falling branches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Pacific Dogwood?

500-2000 cm

How wide does Pacific Dogwood spread?

300-1000 cm

How big are the flowers on Pacific Dogwood?

5-10 cm

When does Pacific Dogwood bloom?

Spring

Is Pacific Dogwood edible?

No

Is Pacific Dogwood toxic?

Mild

What is Pacific Dogwood's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Pacific Dogwood pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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