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Cornus nuttallii

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Record ID:57

Naming

Botanical Name:

Cornus nuttallii

Common Names:

Mountain Dogwood, Western Dogwood, Pacific Flowering Dogwood

Key Name:

Pacific Dogwood

Parts Used:

Bark, flowers, fruit

Sister Plants:

Cornus florida, Cornus kousa, Cornus controversa

Comments:

ornamental tree with ecological importance; attracts pollinators globally

Taxonomy

Kingdom	Viridiplantae	Phylum	Streptophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida	Order	Cornales
Family	Cornaceae	Genus	Cornus
Species	nuttallii	NCBI Tax ID	60120
Organism

Characteristics

Identifying Character:

Small to medium tree (20-50 ft), smooth grey bark, opposite ovate Leaves, large white bracts surrounding small flower clusters, red berry-like drupes

Stem:

Smooth grey in young trees, developing shallow fissures with age

Leaves:

Opposite, ovate, 2-5 inches, dark green turning red in fall

Flowers:

Clusters of tiny flowers surrounded by 4-6 large white bracts, blooming April-June

Fruit:

Red, berry-like drupes, 1/2 inch, ripening in fall

Taste:

Bitter (bark), slightly tart (fruit)

Odour:

Mild, floral scent from flowers

Root:

Shallow, spreading root system; supports soil stability

Image:

Distribution

Distribution:

Western North America (British Columbia to California), moist forests and slopes

Cultivation:

Prefers well-drained, acidic soil; partial shade; propagate by seed or cuttings

Harvest:

Bark: Spring from fallen branches; flowers: Early summer; Fruit: Fall

Medical

Therapeutic Action:

Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, febrifuge, Tonic

Medical Uses:

Used for Fever, inflammation, Diarrhea, Rheumatism, general Tonic; bark as a quinine substitute

Constituents:

Tannins, flavonoids (flavonoids)">flavonoids, bitter principles, possibly cornin

Solvents:

Water, alcohol (Tincture), glycerin

Dosage:

Bark Tincture: 10-20 drops in water 2-3 times daily; Fruit: 1-2 berries as needed

Administration:

Internal: Tincture or decoction; External: Poultice for inflammation

Formulas:

Combine with willow bark for pain relief; with yarrow for Fever

Contra Indications:

May cause gastrointestinal upset or Allergic reactions; avoid in Pregnancy; consult healthcare provider

Preparation:

Tincture: Steep 1 part bark in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks; Decoction: Simmer 1 tsp bark in 1 cup water for 10 minutes

Chinese:

No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Veterinary:

Used for sore eyes or Wounds in livestock

Homeopathic:

No known homeopathic use documented

Pollination and Pollinators

Apis:

Pollinator:

Pollen:

Yes

Pollen Notes:

Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen

Nectar:

Yes

Nectar Notes:

Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health

Other

Non-Medical Uses:

Wood for tool handles, ornamental planting, wildlife habitat

Culinary Uses:

Fruit occasionally eaten raw or dried by Indigenous peoples

History:

Used by Indigenous peoples (e.g., Coast Salish) for Fever; valued in ornamental horticulture

Reference:

Plants For A Future; Native American Ethnobotany Database

URL:

https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cornus+nuttallii

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