W. North America, BC to California
"Pacific dogwood flowers are chiefly pollinated by insects. The fleshy fruit surrounding Pacific dogwood seeds is likely attractive to bird and small mammal seed dispersers." [1]
"Showy flowers and brilliant fall colors make Pacific dogwood a valuable ornamental species.
Pacific dogwood bark was used by Nlaka `pamux, indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast, to make brown dye. Bark has also been prepared and used as a blood purifier, lung strengthener, and stomach treatment. Arno suggests that historically the bark of Cornus spp. was used to cure malaria and when boiled had laxative properties." [1]
"The wood of Pacific dogwood has several uses. This hardwood species has been used to make bows, arrows, thread spindles, cabinets, piano keys, mallet handles, golf club heads and other tools. Young shoots of Cornus spp. were used by indigenous people of central and south Sierra Nevada for basket making. The collection of Pacific dogwood is currently prohibited in British Columbia." [1]
[1] Gucker, Corey L. 2005. Cornus nuttallii. In: Fire Effects Information System,. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/cornut/all.html.
