Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Also listed as Benthamidia japonica, Benthamia japonica
Also known as Kousa, Korean Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood
Climate Match for your location
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A graceful deciduous tree with distinctive layered branching, white flowers in late spring, and attractive red fruit in fall. The foliage turns striking purple-red in autumn.
Why grow it
Kousa dogwood offers a more refined alternative to flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) in many regions, with better disease resistance and greater cold hardiness. The layered branching structure provides distinctive winter interest, while the edible fall fruit attracts wildlife and persists longer than many ornamental berries. It tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and typically performs well in USDA zones 5-8.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment and afternoon shade in hot climates, particularly in the southern part of its range. Fruit production can be sporadic depending on pollination and growing conditions, so do not rely solely on this plant for wildlife food. Fallen fruit may create cleanup concerns in formal landscape settings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cornaceae
Native Range
Eastern Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Milky Way produces abundant creamy-white bracts; Wolf Eyes features striking white-variegated foliage; Stellar Pink is a disease-resistant hybrid with pink-tinged flowers.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A graceful deciduous tree with distinctive layered branching, white flowers in late spring, and attractive red fruit in fall. The foliage turns striking purple-red in autumn.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Kousa Dogwood grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Kousa dogwood offers a more refined alternative to flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) in many regions, with better disease resistance and greater cold hardiness. The layered branching structure provides distinctive winter interest, while the edible fall fruit attracts wildlife and persists longer than many ornamental berries. It tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and typically performs well in USDA zones 5-8.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment and afternoon shade in hot climates, particularly in the southern part of its range. Fruit production can be sporadic depending on pollination and growing conditions, so do not rely solely on this plant for wildlife food. Fallen fruit may create cleanup concerns in formal landscape settings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cornaceae
Native Range
Eastern Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Milky Way produces abundant creamy-white bracts; Wolf Eyes features striking white-variegated foliage; Stellar Pink is a disease-resistant hybrid with pink-tinged flowers.