Cornus nuttallii
mountain dogwood
A conical deciduous tree with oval mid-green leaves to 12cm long, sometimes turning red in autumn. In late spring, small purple and green flowers in dense flowerheads 1.5cm across are surrounded by 4-6 white or pink-tinged bracts, 4-8cm long. Spherical orange-red fruits follow
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Purple Red | Red | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn, or stratify and sow in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pruning group 1 but best with minimal pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.