Common Name: Mountain Dogwood

General Information

Cornus nuttallii is a deciduous shrub or a tree that can grow up to 10 metres tall, exceptionally to 24 metres. The bole can be up to 60cm in diameter[, , ]. When grown under a canopy of vegetation, the trunk is normally tapered and the crown is slender and short. When developed under a sparse canopy or in the open, the trunk is typically shorter, and the rounded crown can be as wide as it is tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. Considered to be one of the most beautiful of the flowering trees and shrubs of N. America, it is widely grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western N. America - British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California

Habitat

Dry to moist coastal coniferous and montane forests; at elevations up to 2,400 metres, occasionally to 3,000 metres[]. Usually found in moist well-drained soils in the shade of coniferous trees[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cornus nuttallii is hardy to about -15°c[], but it requires long hot humid summers in order to promote good growth[]. The plant prefers a mild and moist climate - mediterranean-marine and temperate maritime weather patterns are typical. Average annual precipitation ranges from a low of 310mm to a high of 2,550mm with the majority of precipitation falling between late autumn and early spring as rain and/or snow depending on the elevation of the site. Low winter temperatures range from -1°c to 10°c whilst maximum summer temperatures range from 15.6 - 22.6°c[].
Succeeds in full sun or light shade[[]. 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. Established plants are moderately drought tolerant[].
A very ornamental tree[], but it is usually short-lived in Britain and does not do well in the north of this country[].
The tree can commence flowering when around 2 metres tall and 6 - 10 years old[, ].
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 Cornus 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[].

Edible Uses

The fruit is possibly edible[]. The red fruit is about 10 - 17mm long and 5 - 8mm wide, with a thin layer of mealy flesh enclosing a single, large seed[, , ].

Medicinal

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[].

Other Uses

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[].

The whitish wood is exceedingly hard, heavy, strong, close grained. It is used for tool handles, piano keys, cabinet making etc[, , , ].

Propagation

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, mid summer 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 early summer/July. Takes 9 months[].