SafePlants

Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)

The Kousa Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus kousa, is a beautiful ornamental tree prized for its showy bracts, attractive fruit, and fall foliage. It's often chosen as a landscape tree and is relatively easy to grow.

Considerations for Pets

• The Kousa Dogwood produces large, bumpy, red fruit.

Considerations for Children

• The Kousa Dogwood produces large, bumpy, red fruit.

Common Names

• Kousa Dogwood
• Japanese Dogwood
• Chinese Dogwood
• Strawberry Tree
• Yang-mei (Chinese)
• Oriental Dogwood

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cornus kousa
• Synonym: Benthamidia kousa
• Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Alternative Scientific Name: Cornus kousa chinesis

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Japan, Korea, and China.
• Hardy to zone 5.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A small deciduous tree, typically reaching 8-12 meters (26-39 feet) tall, though some varieties can reach 15-30 feet in height and width.
• Grows to a height of 15-25 feet and a spread of around 25 feet at maturity.
• Showy parts of the "flower" are actually narrowly pointed petal-like white bracts (3-5 inches across) that surround the actual flowers.
• Leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate with an acuminate (pointed) tip.
• Exfoliating bark adds winter interest.

Ecological Role

• More resistant to dogwood anthracnose than Cornus florida.

Other Notable Features

• Blooms in late spring or early summer.
• Offers a long season of interest, with white bracts appearing in early summer.
• Provides visually lush purple to red fall foliage.

Quirky Facts

• The fruit is described as large, bumpy, and red, resembling a strawberry.

Cultivars

• Milky Way
• Milky Way Select
• Gold Star
• Wolf Eyes
• China Girl (free-flowering variety)

Further Information

• Oregon State University LANDSCAPE PLANTS
• Dave's Garden