Cornus kousa var. chinensis (Kousa Dogwood)
Michael's Opinion
The plant has distinct cream coloured bracts that often envelope the entire plant, these are followed by strawberry like fruit very similar to Arbutus. Autumn colour is not exceptional. As the plant matures and the branches are pruned to reveal the trunk, a light khaki coloured exfoliating bark may be seen. The most spectactular ones I have grown have been in full sun, in elevated beds in drought conditions. They do not seem to make the growth that their nearby cousins do in the garden proper, however they surpass other plants in the garden when they are in bloom. Coincidentally this grouping always produces a crop of coveted seedlings.
Botanical Information
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Species | kousa |
| Variety | chinensis |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Tree (deciduous) |
| Origin | Introduced from Japan to the United States by G. R. Hall in 1861-62 and now very common. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 5 - 8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 4a - 8a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 - H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -29 -(-7) |
| Temperature (°F) | -20 - 20 |
| Height | 7 m |
| Spread | 5 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | June |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Broad, vase shaped tree or large shrub. |
| ID Characteristic | Flowers in June which is later than C. florida. Distinct cream coloured bracts with strawberry like fruit. |
| Shape | 'V' shaped open crown. |
| Landscape | Handsome small specimen tree, near large buildings or blank walls. |
| Cultivation | Prefers good garden soils and adequate moisture, will tolerate partial shade. |
| Notable Specimens | The A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Japan. Korea China and the Ryukyus. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Exfoliating with age. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Flower - formed at end of stem, fattened and globose |
| Leaf Description | Opposite, simple, elliptic-ovate. |
| Flower Description | Distinct cream coloured bracts. |
| Fruit Description | Drupe in pinkish to red 1-2.5 cm long, edible. |
| Colour Description | Dark green, pale yellow in the autumn. |
| Texture Description | Medium. |
Photographs
Colour in the autumn can be intense and may vary from red to yellow.
