Mountain Dogwood is a deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest, growing 15 to 40 feet tall (occasionally reaching 70 feet) with a graceful rounded to conical crown. Cornus nuttallii produces showy flowers that bloom from April through June, creating a spectacular spring display in zones 7 through 9. This tree thrives in the western United States but struggles in eastern gardens, making it a regional treasure for West Coast gardeners who can provide it with moderate moisture and either full sun or partial shade.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-9
480in H x 300in W
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Moderate
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Mountain Dogwood's showy spring blooms and exceptional regional performance make it a standout choice for Pacific Northwest and western gardens. The tree reaches impressive heights of 15 to 40 feet, developing a graceful form that provides both ornamental appeal and wildlife habitat. Unlike its eastern cousin, the flowering dogwood, this species adapts beautifully to western growing conditions while attracting birds and butterflies throughout the year. Its tolerance for black walnut, clay soil, and deer means it can anchor difficult garden spaces that challenge other ornamental trees.
Mountain Dogwood serves as an ornamental shade and specimen tree, valued for its spring flowering display and attractive branching structure. The tree provides food and shelter for birds and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and naturalized landscapes throughout western regions.
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“Cornus nuttallii is native to coastal regions west of the Cascades, ranging from southern British Columbia to southern California with a small isolated population in northern Idaho. The tree has long inhabited stream banks and low-elevation forests where conifers and hardwoods intermingle, shaped by the cool, moist Pacific climate. Its common names, Pacific dogwood, Canadian dogwood, and mountain dogwood, reflect its wide geographic range across western North America.”