Kousa Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood

(Cornus kousa)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Spread: 20 to 30 feet
Shape: Bushy

Dark green foliage turns red in the fall. Showy white flowers bloom in spring. Fruit appears in late summer before foliage turns.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 5 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.5

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, massing, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Select small plants with balled and burlapped roots.
Plant in acid soil that is well-drained.
Tolerant of full sun and dry, compacted soil.

Care:

Considered to be a low maintenance plant because of its slow to medium growth rate, nice natural form, and resistance to insect pests.

Problems:

No serious insects or diseases.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of CORNUS KOUSA:
`Summer Stars' has flower bracts that remain on tree for up to 6 weeks.
`Lustgarten Weeping' has weeping branches.

Related species:
CORNUS CHINENSIS (Chinese Dogwood) has larger flowers than the Kousa Dogwood.
CORNUS CHINENSIS `Milky Way' produces more flowers.

Comments:

Beautiful flowers, fruit, fall color, and nice winter silhouette provide year-round interest.
Kousa is a good substitute for the native dogwood in many urban landscape situations.
The showy, globular fruits are edible and will attract birds.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-611 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Flowering Trees
#426-604 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Rare and Unusual Trees"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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