Pacific Dogwood

Pacific dogwood is the wild treasure of Pacific Northwest forests, blooming with conspicuous white bracts (not petals) in spring and again sometimes in fall. Growing to 60 feet with an open, multi-stemmed form, you find it singly or in small groups on stream banks and forest edges from British Columbia to California, turning brilliant red in autumn. This native deserves space in gardens where you can admire it from a distance and protect it from the diseases that weaken wild populations.

Pacific dogwood prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil in the pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Provide mulch to keep roots cool and moist; compacted urban soils limit establishment. Anthracnose and other leaf diseases affect stressed trees; good air circulation and moderate watering (avoiding wetting foliage) help prevent problems. This tree grows slowly (12 feet in 20 years) and performs best when sheltered from full-day sun and strong winds; respect its preference for cool forest edges.