June’s Tree of the Month: Pacific Dogwood

The clusters of white flowers of the Pacific dogwood (also known as Western Flowering dogwood) are what probably catches most peoples’ eyes.  Tucked in the partly shaded understory of a forest with lots of organic matter in a well drained soil, the explosion of blooms in April-June is a bright spot.

No one knows for certain how this attractive forest tree got the name dogwood.  Some speculate that it was because the berries were not fit for a dog to eat.  Others suggest it was because skewers and other pointy instruments were made from another Cornus (the word for skewer or dagger in French “dague”, Spanish “daga” and Sanskrit “dag”).

Cornus nuttallii is the botanical name for Pacific dogwood which is related to red twig dogwood and bunchberry also in the Cornus genus. Pacific dogwood can grow as either a tree or a shrub and can be found east and west of the Cascades, in British Columbia and in some parts of California and Idaho.  A good place to view Pacific dogwood in western WA is along the Dosewallips river road trail.

The Pacific dogwood historically had many uses for several tribes. There were quite a few medical uses. Additionally, the leaves were smoked and branches used in sweat houses. Tools were made from the branches. Charcoal was used to make tattoos. The bark was used for tanning and dyeing.  The berries were important in ceremonies.

The Pacific dogwood provides important habitat to wildlife. Deer and elk forage the leaves,  a variety of birds and small mammals feed on the berries and seeds, and the flowers attract pollinators. The trees, which grow to 20 meters tall, provide shade and nesting spots, possibly up to 150 years.