Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Cornus nuttallii
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| Common Names: |
Mountain Dogwood, Western Dogwood, Pacific Flowering Dogwood
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| Key Name: |
Pacific Dogwood
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| Parts Used: |
Bark, flowers, fruit
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| Sister Plants: |
Cornus florida, Cornus kousa, Cornus controversa
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| Comments: |
Ornamental tree with ecological importance; attracts pollinators globally
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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
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| Stem: |
Smooth grey in young trees, developing shallow fissures with age
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| Leaves: |
Opposite, ovate, 2-5 inches, dark green turning red in fall
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| Flowers: |
Clusters of tiny flowers surrounded by 4-6 large white bracts, blooming April-June
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| Fruit: |
Red, berry-like drupes, 1/2 inch, ripening in fall
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| Taste: |
Bitter (bark), slightly tart (fruit)
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| Odour: |
Mild, floral scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Shallow, spreading root system; supports soil stability
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Western North America (British Columbia to California), moist forests and slopes
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| Cultivation: |
Prefers well-drained, acidic soil; partial shade; propagate by seed or cuttings
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| Harvest: |
Bark: Spring from fallen branches; Flowers: Early summer; Fruit: Fall
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Anti-inflammatory, astringent, febrifuge, tonic
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for fever, inflammation, diarrhea, rheumatism, general tonic; bark as a quinine substitute
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| Constituents: |
Tannins, flavonoids, bitter principles, possibly cornin
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture), glycerin
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| Dosage: |
Bark tincture: 10-20 drops in water 2-3 times daily; Fruit: 1-2 berries as needed
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| Administration: |
Internal: Tincture or decoction; External: Poultice for inflammation
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| Formulas: |
Combine with willow bark for pain relief; with yarrow for fever
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions; avoid in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| 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
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for sore eyes or wounds in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Wood for tool handles, ornamental planting, wildlife habitat
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| Culinary Uses: |
Fruit occasionally eaten raw or dried by Indigenous peoples
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| History: |
Used by Indigenous peoples (e.g., Coast Salish) for fever; valued in ornamental horticulture
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; Native American Ethnobotany Database
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cornus+nuttallii
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| Share: |
Private
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