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Cornus kousa

Image of Cornus kousa

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Cornaceae

Botanical Name

Cornus kousa

Plant Common Name

Chinese Dogwood, Korean Dogwood

General Description

Native to China, Korea and Japan, kousa dogwood is a small, deciduous tree with a beautifully spreading, gently rounded canopy. It is highly desirable for both its outstanding ornamental qualities and resistance to dogwood anthracnose, a fungal disease which can trouble the flowering dogwood of eastern North America.

The branches of kousa dogwood are held in broad, horizontally layered tiers, giving it an elegant appearance even in the cold months of winter. Its attractive bark is mottled in shades of tan, gray and brown. In late spring, clouds of large, white flowers shine against a background of deep green, pointed, oval-shaped foliage. The blossoms are composed of four showy bracts which surround a central cluster small, less conspicuous green flowers. These are followed by distinctive, round, red fruits which ripen in autumn, and are edible to both birds and humans. The leaves develop appealing shades of purple and red in fall.

Kousa dogwood grows well in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil; however, it is tolerant of a range of soil types. This lovely tree makes a fine specimen, and is wonderful when planted in groups among other trees and shrubs in larger landscapes.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m

  • Width

    20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    China, Japan, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Green

  • Fruit Color

    Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Red, Purple, Burgundy

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Brown, Gray

  • Bark Color Modifier

    Multi-Color

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Platy

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Shade Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No