Cornus kousa

Chinese Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus kousa

Overview
A graceful, late-blooming Kousa dogwood valued for its creamy-white star-shaped bracts that appear in late spring to early summer after leaves emerge. Glossy green foliage forms a dense canopy through summer, turning scarlet to burgundy in fall. Strawberry-like red fruit follows bloom, and mature trees develop attractive mottled, exfoliating bark for added winter interest. Known for improved disease resistance and heat tolerance compared to Cornus florida.

Size



Width: 20–30 ft



Height: 20–30 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–8b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Morning sun with afternoon shade preferred in hotter regions



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 tolerant of heat and anthracnose than Cornus florida



Allow space for layered branching and mature canopy spread



Notes



Shape: Upright vase-shaped when young, maturing to broad and layered



Summer bloom timing extends the dogwood season



Fruit is ornamental and edible when ripe



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, woodland edges, and mixed borders



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Horizontal Branching, Rounded, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No