ExploreTree

Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa

The Kousa Dogwood is a stunning tree with star-shaped flowers. It blooms later than many other trees, making it special!

Habitat: Gardens and parks

Appearance

The Kousa Dogwood has striking white or pinkish petal-like bracts in late spring, creating a starry effect around its true flowers. Its red, bumpy, raspberry-like fruits appear in summer, followed by brilliant reddish-purple fall foliage. The exfoliating, mottled bark adds winter interest.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCornalesFamilyCornaceaeGenusCornus

Kousa Dogwood

Interesting facts

Its showy 'flowers' are actually special leaves called bracts!

Some people use its ripe fruits to make delicious jams or wine.

The bark peels off in cool, puzzle-piece patterns as it ages.

This beautiful tree originally comes from countries in East Asia.

Special abilities

Kousa Dogwood can produce large, white 'petals' (bracts) that attract pollinators to its tiny, true flowers.

Kousa Dogwood has leaves that transform from green to brilliant reddish-purple in fall, signaling autumn's arrival.

Kousa Dogwood grows unique, bumpy red fruits in summer that are tasty and safe for humans to eat when ripe.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-12 m
Canopy Spread: 4-8 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 15-40 cm
Lifespan: 50-150 years
Fruit Type: Aggregate fruit (berry-like)
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Helps spread its pollen between blooms.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Feasts on its ripe, red fruits.

eaten by

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Enjoys its seeds found within the fruits.

shelters

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

Nests in its branches, seeking protection.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!

Fruit Tree

Discover trees that grow delicious fruits, providing a natural bounty of snacks for people and animals alike. Imagine picking an apple right from the branch!

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!