Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa

Overview

The Kousa Dogwood is a small flowering tree native to eastern Asia and prized for its ornamental beauty, disease resistance, and multi-season interest. Unlike the native Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Kousa Dogwood blooms later in spring, producing showy white bracts after the leaves have fully emerged.

Its attractive flowers, exfoliating bark, red fruits, and vibrant fall color have made Kousa Dogwood a popular landscape tree throughout the United States. In the Marshall University Arboretum, it provides an opportunity to compare a widely planted non-native dogwood with the region’s native flowering species.

Identification

Leaves

• Opposite leaf arrangement
• Oval to elliptical leaves
• Dark green during the growing season
• Red to reddish-purple fall color
• Prominent veins visible on both leaf surfaces

Bark

• Gray, tan, and brown mottled bark
• Exfoliates in patches as the tree matures
• Creates attractive year-round visual interest

Flowers

• Blooms in late spring after leaves emerge
• Four large white bracts surround a cluster of tiny flowers
• Bracts are pointed and often appear star-shaped
• Flower display may last several weeks

Fruit

• Round, raspberry-like fruits
• Pink to bright red when mature
• Ripen in late summer and early autumn
• Edible but variable in flavor

Size

• Typically grows 15 to 30 feet tall
• Mature spread of 15 to 30 feet
• Forms a broad, layered canopy

Native Range

Kousa Dogwood is native to China, Korea, and Japan. It has been cultivated in North America for more than a century and is now widely planted in parks, gardens, campuses, and residential landscapes.

Within the Marshall University Arboretum, Kousa Dogwood is classified as a Non-Native species.

Ecology and Wildlife Value

Kousa Dogwood provides valuable resources for pollinators and wildlife.

Its flowers attract:

• Bees
• Butterflies
• Other pollinating insects

Its fruits are consumed by:

• Songbirds
• Small mammals
• Other wildlife

The tree’s branching structure also provides nesting habitat and cover for birds throughout the year.

While it does not support the same ecological relationships as native dogwood species, Kousa Dogwood contributes to landscape diversity and provides food and shelter for wildlife.

Human Uses and Cultural Significance

Kousa Dogwood is widely planted because of its combination of ornamental beauty and reliability.

It is valued for:

• Showy spring blooms
• Attractive mottled bark
• Colorful fruit
• Vibrant fall foliage
• Resistance to many diseases that affect native dogwoods

The fruits are edible and have been used in parts of its native range for fresh consumption and specialty food products.

Because of its durability and four-season appeal, Kousa Dogwood remains one of the most popular ornamental flowering trees in modern landscapes.

Kousa Dogwood at Marshall University

Kousa Dogwoods contribute ornamental beauty and seasonal interest to the Marshall University Arboretum. Their late-spring flowers, colorful fruits, and attractive bark provide visual interest throughout much of the year.

A Kousa Dogwood also serves as a living memorial — one of the dogwoods planted to honor Dr. Jeff Kovatch and Dr. Paige Muellerleile is a Kousa Dogwood. These memorial plantings demonstrate how trees can preserve stories and commemorate members of the Marshall community while enriching the campus landscape.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Kousa Dogwood
Scientific Name: Cornus kousa
Family: Cornaceae
Native Region: Non-Native
Mature Height: 15-30 feet
Mature Spread: 15-30 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Preferences: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Bloom Period: May to June
Fruit/Seed: Red, raspberry-like fruits that ripen in late summer and autumn
Wildlife Value: Supports pollinators and provides fruit for birds and small mammals
Notable Characteristics: Showy white bracts, mottled bark, colorful fruit, and excellent disease resistance