Cornus kousa
Overview
Uses: Specimen tree, small yard focal point, woodland edge planting, patio accent, and layered landscape designs.
Benefits: Late-spring white bracts create a refined floral display after many trees have finished blooming. Attractive exfoliating bark, ornamental fruit, and strong seasonal foliage color provide multi-season interest.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Deciduous Tree
Growth Habit: Rounded, Vase-shaped — layered horizontal branching structure
Bloom Color: White
Foliage Color: Green, maturing to Red in fall
Mature Height: 15–30 feet
Mature Width: 15–30 feet
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Kousa Dogwood brings a calm, architectural elegance to the landscape just as spring transitions into summer. Its clean white bracts appear after the foliage emerges, creating a layered effect that feels refined rather than showy.
Following bloom, textured berry-like fruit develops in summer, adding visual interest and attracting birds. Through the growing season, rich green foliage forms a balanced canopy before shifting to warm red tones in fall. In winter, exfoliating bark reveals mottled patterns of tan and gray, giving the tree subtle cold-season appeal.
More resistant to common dogwood diseases than some native selections, Cornus kousa is valued for its reliability, structure, and four-season presence.
Care
Kousa Dogwood Care
Plant in Full Sun to Partial Shade for best flowering and canopy structure.
Prefers well-drained soil and benefits from consistent moisture during establishment. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods.
Fertilize in early spring if needed using a balanced slow release fertilizer.
Prune lightly after flowering to remove damaged or crossing branches and maintain structure. Avoid heavy pruning.
Size
What Size is the Kousa Dogwood for Sale Online?
Our Cornus kousa ships in a greenhouse-grade nursery container. Trees are well-rooted and proportionate to their pot size at the time of shipping. If you have specific sizing questions before ordering, please contact us.
How Large Does Kousa Dogwood Grow?
Kousa Dogwood typically matures to 15–30 feet tall with a similar spread, forming a balanced, rounded canopy suited to residential landscapes.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This tree is commonly known as Kousa Dogwood or Japanese Dogwood.
How is Kousa Dogwood different from Flowering Dogwood?
Kousa Dogwood blooms later in spring and tends to have improved resistance to common dogwood diseases. Its flowers appear after the leaves emerge, creating a layered look compared to earlier-blooming species.
Is Kousa Dogwood good for wildlife?
Yes. The summer fruit attracts birds, and the spring blooms provide seasonal interest within landscapes that include Trees and Native Plants of North America.
Does Kousa Dogwood produce edible fruit?
The tree produces ornamental red fruit in summer. While technically edible, it is primarily grown for ornamental value rather than food production.
