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Aboretum

Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)

"Late spring blossoms, colorful fruit, and striking bark give Kousa Dogwood beauty in every season."

Take a Moment: Look closely at the creamy-white or pink bracts that appear after the leaves have fully emerged, creating a soft display above the canopy. Later in the season, notice the unusual raspberry-like fruits hanging from the branches.

Why We Love This Tree

Kousa Dogwood extends the beauty of spring after many flowering trees have finished blooming. Its elegant form, colorful fruit, and attractive bark provide interest long after the flowers fade.

Its steady transformation reminds us that every season has something new to discover.

 

 

Kousa Dogwood in summer

Kousa Dogwood in Summer

 
 

 

Meet the Tree

Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Kousa Dogwood differs from its North American cousin by flowering several weeks later and producing distinctive round fruits. As it matures, the bark peels away in patches, revealing an attractive mosaic of gray, tan, and cinnamon tones.

Its excellent disease resistance has made it one of the most popular ornamental dogwoods in cultivation.

Ecological Benefits

Kousa Dogwood supports bees and other pollinators with its late spring flowers, while its fruits provide food for birds and small mammals. Its canopy also offers seasonal shelter for wildlife.

Did You Know?


Unlike Flowering Dogwood, Kousa Dogwood blooms after its leaves have fully expanded, creating a completely different spring display.

Quick Facts

Native: Japan, Korea & China

Type: Deciduous Tree

Size: 15 to 30 ft tall × 15 to 25 ft wide

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water: Moderate

Growth Rate: Slow to Medium

Flowers: Creamy white or pink bracts in late spring

Fall Color: Red to purple

Botanical Profile

Family: Cornaceae

Common Names: Kousa Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood

Genus Meaning: Cornus is the Latin name for dogwood.

Species Meaning: kousa is derived from the Japanese name for the species.

How to Recognize It

Look for these distinctive characteristics:

  • Star-shaped white bracts
  • Strawberry-like red fruits
  • Peeling mottled bark
  • Layered branching
  • Opposite leaves
  • Red-purple fall foliage

Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Moisture: Moderate

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 8

Tolerance: Disease resistance and urban conditions