Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes'

'Wolf Eyes' Chinese Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’

Overview
A compact, variegated Kousa dogwood prized for its distinctive gray-green leaves edged in creamy white. The variegation creates a soft, shimmering effect through the growing season. Creamy-white star-shaped bracts appear in late spring to early summer after leaf-out, followed by ornamental red fruit. Fall brings pink to reddish tones, and mature plants develop attractive exfoliating bark. ‘Wolf Eyes’ is especially valued for its manageable size and refined appearance.

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

5–8

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

White

Fall color

Pink, Red

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Loamy, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No