Pacific dogwood is a deciduous native tree of western North America, ranging from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and into California's Sierra Nevada foothills. It is recognized by large white bracts surrounding small greenish-yellow flower clusters in spring and clusters of red-orange fruit in fall. Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest use it as a structurally significant native tree in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and wildlife-focused plantings.
In cultivation, Pacific dogwood typically reaches 15–30 feet, performing best in partial shade with consistent moisture. It tolerates full sun in cool, humid coastal climates but declines in heat and drought. Compacted or waterlogged soil is poorly tolerated. The single most important management factor is dogwood anthracnose, caused by the fungus Discula destructiva, which has devastated wild populations throughout its range since the late 1970s. Planting in sites with good air circulation, watering at the base, and promptly removing infected material are the primary defenses.
Hul'q'umi'num'-speaking Indigenous nations of the Pacific Northwest, who call the tree Kwi'txulhp, used its bark as a fever remedy and quinine substitute for treating intermittent fevers. The wood is extremely hard and dense, historically used for tool handles, bows, and mallets. Ripening fruit clusters in fall are a key food source for band-tailed pigeons, American robins, and cedar waxwings.
Dogwood Anthracnose
Irregular tan to brown spots on leaves with distinct purple or reddish margins, often starting at leaf tips and edges. In advanced cases: blighted shoots, stem cankers, and epicormic sprouts emerging from the lower trunk. Infected dead leaves may cling to branches through winter rather than dropping.
Remove and destroy all infected leaves, shoots, and cankered branches. Avoid overhead irrigation. Apply a copper-based or chlorothalonil fungicide starting at bud break in spring, repeating every 10–14 days during wet weather. Maintain tree vigor with consistent moisture and mulch — stressed trees are far more vulnerable. In high-pressure sites, consider replacing with anthracnose-resistant cultivars such as 'Appalachian Spring'.
Dogwood Canker
Sunken, discolored, or cracked areas on stems and branches; wood beneath the canker is brown and dead; affected stems wilt and die back from the canker site toward the tip.
Prune infected stems at least 6 inches below visible canker tissue. Sterilize cutting tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol between each cut. Dispose of removed material — do not compost. Maintain plant vigor through consistent watering and avoid wounding stems during routine maintenance. No chemical controls are reliably effective once infection is established; prevention through plant health is the primary strategy.
Powdery mildew
White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.
Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.
Phytophthora Root Rot
Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dark, decayed roots and crown tissue. Vines may collapse during hot weather.
Plant in well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging. Remove and destroy affected vines. Improve drainage with raised beds or amended soil and avoid overwatering.