Cornus nuttallii
Record ID:57Naming |
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|---|---|
| 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 |
Characteristics |
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| 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: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.yJTgdyrzJonMBwo3Lu4t4gAAAA%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=3bdd133b508d8274b50ffb4cfc2827a3bc6e74c509cd531da914a3a6f9b22249&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| 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 |
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| 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, 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |