Mountain Dogwood, Pacific dogwood, Western Dogwood

Cornus nuttallii

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to California and east to Idaho.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: The fruit is possibly edible[177]. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[200] and has a thin, mealy flesh[82].

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Febrifuge Laxative Malaria Tonic The bark is antiperiodic, cathartic, febrifuge, laxative and tonic[46, 61, 118, 257]. An infusion is used as a quinine substitute in the treatment of malaria[46, 118, 226]. The infusion has also been used in the treatment of stomach complaints[257]. Externally, it is used to treat ulcers[257].

Known Hazards

None known