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 |
Cornus nuttallii
|
|
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: |
Cornus nuttallii
Wikipedia
Cornus nuttallii
Wikipedia — Wikimedia
Cornus nuttallii
Wikipedia — Wikimedia
|
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: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| 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
|
| Share: |
Private
|