Cornus nuttalli, Pacific Dogwood

With its spectacular white flower arrays, bright green leaves, beautiful autumn foliage, and attractive growth form, Pacific Dogwood is among the more popular native California trees in landscaping applications. It’s long-lived and easy to grow when planted in its natural woodland range. It needs to be planted in cool, rich, deep and well-draining soil, in deep or part shade, preferably among smaller companion plants so as it matures it can reach its branches out into direct sun. Dislikes poor drainage, fertilizing, pruning, and injury to the tender bark. Avoid disturbing the soil within a few feet of the trunk.

Pacific Dogwood is drought tolerant in shady, cool situations but enjoys occasional to moderate water in fast draining soils. Once established it can become a show stopping specimen in a wooded garden, under high branching trees, along stream courses and slopes with eastern or northern exposure. Birds relish the red fruits. This small to medium-sized deciduous tree often has multiple trunks and an irregular form. It can get 12-60 ft high by 6-30 ft wide in ideal conditions.