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Description
Cornus Nuttallii, commonly known as the Pacific dogwood, is a stunning deciduous tree that is native to western North America. It belongs to the Cornaceae family and is known for its showy white or pink bracts that bloom in late spring. These bracts surround the small, yellowish-green flowers, creating a striking display that is sure to catch the eye.This plant grows to a height of up to 10 meters and a spread of up to 8 meters. It has a single trunk that is usually straight and smooth, with a greyish-brown bark that is marked by small, shallow fissures. The leaves of Cornus Nuttallii are simple, opposite, and elliptical, with a glossy green surface that turns to red or orange in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Species | Cornus Nuttallii |
Appearance
Cornus Nuttallii is known for its stunning, showy blooms that appear in late spring. The bracts, which are actually modified leaves, can be white, pink, or red, and surround the small, yellowish-green flowers. The plant’s leaves are glossy green and elliptical, with a smooth surface and a pointed tip. In the fall, the leaves turn to red or orange, creating a beautiful display of color.The bark of Cornus Nuttallii is smooth and greyish-brown, with small, shallow fissures. The plant has a single trunk that is usually straight, with a broad crown that can reach up to 8 meters in width.
Care Guide
Cornus Nuttallii is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this beautiful tree:- Water: Cornus Nuttallii prefers moist, well-drained soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: This plant does not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring if desired.- Soil: Cornus Nuttallii can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: This plant can grow in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers a spot with some shade during the hottest part of the day.- Hardiness Zones: Cornus Nuttallii is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cornus Nuttallii is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to watch out for:- Dogwood anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and twig dieback. It can be prevented by keeping the plant healthy and avoiding overhead watering.- Dogwood borer: This insect can bore into the trunk and branches of the plant, causing dieback and decline. It can be prevented by keeping the plant healthy and removing any infested wood.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It can be prevented by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Cornus Nuttallii is native to western North America, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and streambanks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cornus Nuttallii a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, Cornus Nuttallii is a popular choice for landscaping due to its striking blooms and beautiful fall foliage.
Q: How often should I water Cornus Nuttallii?
A: Cornus Nuttallii prefers moist, well-drained soil, so you should water it regularly, especially during dry periods. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Can Cornus Nuttallii grow in a container?
A: While Cornus Nuttallii can technically grow in a container, it is not recommended, as the plant requires a lot of space to grow and may become root-bound in a container.
Q: How do I prune Cornus Nuttallii?
A: You can prune Cornus Nuttallii in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or diseased wood. Avoid pruning in the fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
Related Plants
– Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)- Cornus kousa (kousa dogwood)- Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood)- Cornus alternifolia (pagoda dogwood)
References
– “Cornus Nuttallii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c702.- “Pacific Dogwood.” Royal BC Museum, royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/natural-history/botany/pacific-dogwood/.- “Cornus Nuttallii.” Plant Database, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/547/
