How much sun does Pacific dogwood need?

Pacific dogwood grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Pacific dogwood bloom?

Pacific dogwood blooms in April and May.

Where is Pacific dogwood native?

Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Pacific dogwood attract?

Pacific dogwood draws bees, flies, and beetles.

Pacific dogwood

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cornus nuttallii

Last reviewed: October 2026

Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is a perennial tree native to CA, ID, OR, WA. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees, flies, and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–600" H × 180"–360" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Understory tree with large showy white flower bracts in spring, glossy dark green leaves that turn red and orange in fall, and clusters of bright red berries. Grows beneath taller conifers in forest understories.

Growing Pacific dogwood

Grow Pacific dogwood in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Berries are eaten by birds in fall, and the spring flowers attract a wide range of pollinating insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific dogwood need?: Pacific dogwood grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Pacific dogwood bloom?: Pacific dogwood blooms in April and May.
Where is Pacific dogwood native?: Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Pacific dogwood attract?: Pacific dogwood draws bees, flies, and beetles.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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