Tree
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Features
Clusters of tiny flowers surrounded by showy, white bracts; dangling red fruits (similar to raspberry in appearance), late summer into fall; reddish-purple to red fall color; horizontal branches give the tree a unique layered appearance.
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil.
Cultivars
Numerous, including
- 'China Girl'-flowers early, has large fruit and good fall color.
- 'Lustgarten Weeping'- a weeping form.
- 'Milky Way'- flowers and fruits heavily.
Check local nurseries for availability of cultivars in your area.
Mature Height
20-25 Feet
Size
Small
Mature Form
Rounded to broad spreading
Native To:
Japan, China, Korea
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 7
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Massing
Patio
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Purple
Red
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional Notes
This species can be used as either a large shrub or a small tree.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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