|
EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Cornus nuttallii
This medium-sized tree grows to an average height of 65 feet (20 m) and can be found at lower elevations near streams or in dense, mixed forests. The dogwood will produce many branches off a main trunk, creating an asymmetrical and ragged profile. The bark is a blackish-brown and generally smooth to the touch. The leaves are oval-shaped with sharp points and a tapered base. They are dark green but will turn a pinkish-red during the Fall. In the spring, the dogwood will produce large white flowers with six oval petals that can virtually cover the entire crown of the tree.
It is not know how it came about its colorful name, but it is probably a derivative of the French or Spanish words for “skewer” or “dagger” – common implements made from its wood. Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest also used the dogwood for making bows and arrows. The fruit is edible but not considered tasty. It’s been more commonly used in the creation of certain remedies, especially for stomach ailments.
This plant is sometimes called western flowering dogwood.
Distribution
Dogwood can be found mostly in coastal regions west of the Cascade Mountain Range from southern British Columbia to northern California, with one inland population in Idaho. In Oregon, it is common as an understory plant in old growth forests dominated by douglas-fir. In the Coast Range Mountains, it often forms communities with vine maple and salal.
Conservation Status
Common.
Cornus nuttallii
This medium-sized tree grows to an average height of 65 feet (20 m) and can be found at lower elevations near streams or in dense, mixed forests. The dogwood will produce many branches off a main trunk, creating an asymmetrical and ragged profile. The bark is a blackish-brown and generally smooth to the touch. The leaves are oval-shaped with sharp points and a tapered base. They are dark green but will turn a pinkish-red during the Fall. In the spring, the dogwood will produce large white flowers with six oval petals that can virtually cover the entire crown of the tree.
It is not know how it came about its colorful name, but it is probably a derivative of the French or Spanish words for “skewer” or “dagger” – common implements made from its wood. Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest also used the dogwood for making bows and arrows. The fruit is edible but not considered tasty. It’s been more commonly used in the creation of certain remedies, especially for stomach ailments.
This plant is sometimes called western flowering dogwood.
Distribution
Dogwood can be found mostly in coastal regions west of the Cascade Mountain Range from southern British Columbia to northern California, with one inland population in Idaho. In Oregon, it is common as an understory plant in old growth forests dominated by douglas-fir. In the Coast Range Mountains, it often forms communities with vine maple and salal.
Conservation Status
Common.
