Cornus kousa

Chinese dogwood

Deciduous Tree

A fantastic tree for Pacific Northwest gardens. It offers a pleasing seasonal progression, and will contribute to your landscape all year long. In late spring, showy bracts atop green foliage engulf the tree. As the flowers age, reddish pink fruits develop. Though technically edible, they're best left for the birds and other wildlife foragers. In fall, the foliage is aflame in shade of red, purple, and orange. Mature trees develop mottled, exfoliating bark that is attractive and interesting throughout the year. There are a number of named varieties, such as C. 'Milky Way', C. 'Venus', and others that are selected for various features such as growth habit, flower size and color, etc.  Cornus kousa doesn't have any major insect or disease problems and is an excellent alternative to Cornus florida for Northwest gardens because its improved resistance to dogwood anthracnose.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun

Water Needs: Average, Regular / Even

Description

Size: 180 - 360 tall x 180 - 360 wide
Shape / Form: Upright, Vase, Rounded, Irregular
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attractive Bark or Stem, Fall Color, Flowers, Year-round Interest, Exfoliating Bark, Attracts Butterflies

Foliage Color: Green
Fall Color: Red, Purple / Violet, Mutli-color, Mixed / Variable

Flower Color: White, Ivory / Cream
Bloom Season: Spring, Late Spring / Early Summer
Flower Shape: Single

Fruit Description: Red, Showy / Decorative, Bird / Wildlife Forage, Culinary Value

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Mixed Border, Specimen, Street Tree, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: Deer Resistant
Wildlife: Butterflies, Deer Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: canopy
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low


Suitable Substitutes

Plant Combos