About
Cornus nuttallii is a conical-shaped deciduous tree characterized by its oval, mid-green foliage, which can reach lengths of up to 12 cm and may turn a reddish hue in the fall. During late spring, it produces small flowers that are purple and green, clustered in dense formations measuring about 1.5 cm across. These flowers are framed by 4 to 6 bracts, which can be white or have a hint of pink, ranging from 4 to 8 cm in length. Following the flowering period, the tree bears spherical fruits that are orange-red in color.
About the genus
Cornus includes a variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as prostrate, woody perennials, some featuring vibrant young stems. The small flowers appear in compact clusters, occasionally accompanied by prominent bracts. Several species display attractive foliage in the fall.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- W N America
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 but best with minimal pruning
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in autumn, or stratify and sow in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus