Cornus nuttallii

Common Name:
Pacific Dogwood – Cornus nuttallii

Description:
Cornus nuttallii, commonly known as Pacific Dogwood, is a stately and elegant deciduous tree native to the west coast of North America, renowned for its large white floral bracts, tiered branching, and stunning autumn foliage. Flowering in mid to late spring, it produces clusters of creamy white bracts that can reach up to 10 cm wide, often followed by a second, lighter flush in late summer. Its foliage is a rich green through the warmer months, turning deep red to burgundy in autumn, adding visual drama to any garden. Pacific Dogwood prefers a cool, moist, well-drained soil and does best in part shade or filtered light, making it well-suited to protected positions in Melbourne’s temperate gardens. Due to its refined structure and dramatic flowering, it is an ideal feature or specimen tree in woodland gardens or shaded avenues.

Form:
Tree – Medium
Tree – Large

Mature Size:
Height: 6–10 m
Width: 4–6 m

Aspect:
Part Shade
Full Sun (with protection from harsh afternoon heat)

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Late Summer (light repeat flush possible)

Flower Colour:
White
Creamy White

Key Attributes:
Spectacular Flower Display
Tiered, Architectural Form
Autumn Foliage Colour
Deciduous
Bird Attracting
Suitable for Woodland Gardens
Low Maintenance in the Right Position
Feature Tree

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals

Companion Plants:
Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’
Acer palmatum varieties
Magnolia stellata
Hydrangea quercifolia
Liriope muscari