Pacific Dogwood

Cornus nuttallii

One of the Pacific Northwest’s loveliest natives, Pacific dogwood is a deciduous tree native to moist forests and riparian areas in our region. It typically grows much taller than ornamental dogwoods, topping out at over 50 feet tall, with opposite, oval leaves that turn red to purple in autumn. In spring, it produces striking displays of large white flowers (bracts, really), followed in fall by bright red berries that are eaten by birds and other wildlife. Ecologically, Pacific dogwood provides an important nectar source for pollinators, fruit for birds and mammals, and seasonal beauty in forest understories and montane forests. It’s unique in that the large flowers sometimes have 4 ‘petals’ (bracts) and sometimes 5 on the same tree.