Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT
Species Description:
This dogwood is a woody deciduous shrub generally 1.4-6 m tall. The bark and twigs are reddish to purple and fairly smooth from autumn to late spring; after the leaves have fallen. The bark, twigs, and leaves are bright green in spring through summer. The simple, opposite leaves are 5-10 cm (2-4 in) long, dark green above and hairy and lighter-colored below, with smooth margins, rounded bases, pointed tips. Flowering occurs from June to August. The flowers are white to cream-colored. The white berries are smooth on the faces, furrowed on the sides. Sometimes called red willow, both Salix species and Cornus sericia are used interchangeably.
Habitat Description:
It generally grows at elevations below 2500 m. Dogwood grows in soils that are saturated for at least a portion of the growing season and is common on the edges of lakes, ponds, within wetlands, and along streams. It is not as tolerant of long-term root saturation as are some other shrubs,
Native American Use:
The peeled twigs were used as toothbrushes for their whitening effect on teeth. Bows and arrows were made from the shoots. The inner bark is used for tanning or drying animal hides. This dogwood is sometimes used for basket weaving. The differences in stem colors create a multi-hued design element. The berries were eaten raw or made into a mush.
Harvest Season: Fall
Coast Miwok Name: unknown
Southern Pomo: mo’o zit
Native Plant Species
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W E S T E R N D O G W O O D - Scientific Name: Cornus nuttallii
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