Cornus Kousa Wolf Eyes

Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’

Overview
A compact, variegated Kousa dogwood prized for its distinctive gray-green leaves edged in creamy white that create a soft, shimmering canopy. Creamy-white star-shaped bracts appear in late spring to early summer after leaf-out, followed by ornamental red fruit. Fall foliage develops pink to reddish tones, and mature trees display attractive exfoliating bark. ‘Wolf Eyes’ is valued for its manageable size and refined ornamental character.

Size



Width: 10–15 ft



Height: 10–15 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–8b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Morning sun with afternoon shade preferred in hotter regions to protect variegation



Soil



Well-drained soils; prefers moist, organic-rich loam



Slightly acidic pH preferred



Avoid compacted or poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (flowers)



Birds (ornamental fruit)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



More heat- and disease-tolerant than Cornus florida



Allow space for layered branching and natural canopy spread



Notes



Shape: Upright when young, maturing to broad and layered



Slower growing and more compact than the species



Variegation brightens shaded landscapes



Excellent specimen tree for smaller lawns, courtyards, and woodland gardens



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

10-15'

Width

10-15'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green, Jasmine

Fall color

Dark Pink

Fruit color

Red

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Horizontal Branching

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No