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Kousa Dogwood Tree
Kousa Dogwood Tree
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Cornus kousa
Kousa Dogwood Tree
The Kousa Dogwood Tree is a stunning ornamental tree celebrated for its layered branching, star-shaped white flowers, and exceptional year-round interest. Native to East Asia, this small flowering tree produces raspberry-like red fruits in late summer and puts on a fiery display of scarlet and orange foliage in fall.
Ideal for specimen planting, woodland gardens, or understory layers, the Kousa Dogwood brings elegance, structure, and seasonal charm to any landscape.
Kousa Dogwood Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Cornus kousa |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Kousa Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Chinese Dogwood |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 15–25 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 15–25 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Slow to moderate (8–15" per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 50–100 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 5–8 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 200–400 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Moist, well-drained loam or sandy loam |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🌸 Flower Color | White, star-shaped bracts in late spring to early summer |
| 🍒 Fruit Type | Red, raspberry-like edible drupes |
| 🐝 Pollinators | Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, vase-shaped canopy with layered branching |
| ↔️ Spacing | 15–25 ft apart for full canopy development |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Specimen tree, borders, woodland edges, patio focal point |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Offers nectar-rich blooms to early summer pollinators
🍒 Produces fruit eaten by birds and small mammals
🍁 Vibrant fall foliage contributes to seasonal beauty and biodiversity
🌳 Provides low canopy cover for nesting wildlife and shade gardens
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌸 Long-lasting, showy floral display | 🌿 Slow-growing in early years |
| 🍒 Unique edible fruit adds ornamental and culinary appeal | 🍂 Fallen fruit can create slight mess near walkways |
| 🍁 Exceptional fall foliage in red, orange, and burgundy | 💧 Young trees need consistent watering until established |
| 🦋 Excellent pollinator and bird support | 🐛 Can be susceptible to dogwood anthracnose in humid regions |
| 🏡 Great choice for specimen or accent planting | ☀️ Best flowering in full sun, but needs protection from harsh heat in southern zones |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water thoroughly at planting to eliminate air pockets
🕳️ Dig hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball; plant at crown level
🌾 Mulch with 2–3 inches of organic material; keep away from trunk
💦 Water deeply once a week during dry spells for the first 2 years
✂️ Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape or remove crossing branches
🧪 Apply compost or low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring if needed
The Kousa Dogwood Tree is a graceful and rewarding ornamental that delights across all four seasons. Its elegant form, long-lasting blooms, and decorative fruit make it a landscape standout, while its adaptability and low maintenance needs make it a favorite for gardeners and wildlife alike.
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