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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
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Kousa Dogwood

Category

Trees

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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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

Ability

Starry Disguise

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

Ability

Seasonal Chameleon

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

Ability

Edible Jewels

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
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

Traits

Also known as

Chinese DogwoodKousa Cornel

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Kousa Dogwood?

5-12 m

How wide does Kousa Dogwood spread?

4-8 m

Is Kousa Dogwood edible?

Yes

How big is Kousa Dogwood?

15-40 cm

How long does Kousa Dogwood live?

50-150 years

Where is Kousa Dogwood usually found?

Gardens and parks

What kind of fruit does Kousa Dogwood produce?

Aggregate fruit (berry-like)

How fast does Kousa Dogwood grow?

Medium

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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