Cornus nuttallii |
Native Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone Range: 7-9
Preferred Climate: Full/semi sun; well draining soil; open sites.
Harvest Date: Saturday 08 October, 2011
Seed count: 25-30
Description:
White flowers of 4-5 'petals' (actually bracts) appear mid May and sometimes again September. Ripe red berries and flowers can be on the tree at the same time. Co-evolved with our west coast climate of wet springs, dry summers and mild winters.
Notes:
Berries are relished by birds, especially by Flickers and Pilated Woodpeckers. Next year's flowers form in the late summer so keep this in mind when pruning.
Cultivation:
Stratifiying fresh seed (never dried) for excellent mid winter-early spring germination. Sow immediately for best results. Sow 7mm deep in coarse sand and apply mulch. Keep moist and cold stratify. Will pop up when Spring weather arrives. I mass sow in large pots and place these in unheated greenhouse when seed starts to germinate so seedling has optimum growing conditions. Can grow quickly under right condtions. Note: I've noticed this dogwood speceis flowers when reaching a certain size (about 2-3 meters) not when it reaches a certain age (quoted at 10 years by local nurseryman years ago).
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