Cornus nuttallii
Cornaceae
Pacific Dogwood
Shrub or tree, deciduous, with dark brownish black or reddish slightly hairy bark. Small branches are gray to green. Leaves opposite, deep green, 1 1/2–4 in., with curving parallel veins, oval, pointed on tip, underside slightly hairy and lighter in color. Inflorescence consists of 4–7 petal-like bracts, pointed at the tip, white or pinkish, 2–3 in. long; center of small flowers greenish to white. Fruit is a bright red, round cluster of oval fleshy berries, each with 1 smooth seed. Grows in shaded moist places in Puget Lowlands, mountains, often along streams. The opposite leaves with veins that parallel the leaf margins distinguish dogwood from cascara, Rhamnus purshiana. Often seen reblooming in early fall when leaves turn red. Provincial flower of British Columbia.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
- Flower Form: Petals 4
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 10–50 feet
- Habitat: Coastal, West-side Forest
- Found In: Crater Lake NP, Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Siskiyous, West Gorge
- Native: Yes
