Cornus nuttallii - Mountain Dogwood

Description

Sometimes a shrub, more often a tree to 50 ft. tall and 20 ft. in spread. Needs moisture and part shade. Mountain Dogwood grows in mountainous areas and does not do well in lower elevaion gardens. Found on cool forested slopes from 1500-6000' in the Sierra Nevada, the coastal mountains from California to British Columbia, and Idaho. Large white 'flowers' are actually bracts surrounding tiny green true flowers. Spring bloom; may recur in fall. Leaves turn a beautiful red and maroon before falling. Medicinally, it is said to have the same healing properties as chamomile.