Kousa Dogwood

Kousa Dogwood Trees (Cornus kousa) are native to East Asia, specifically to regions of China, Japan, and Korea. These trees thrive in temperate forested areas, where they have adapted to a variety of growing conditions, from sunny hillsides to partially shaded forest floors. In their native habitats, Kousa Dogwoods are valued for their ornamental beauty, with their showy white bracts that appear in late spring, followed by attractive fruit in summer and colorful foliage in the fall. While native to Asia, Kousa Dogwood has become a popular landscape tree in North America due to its hardiness, disease resistance, and multi-season appeal.

Although Kousa Dogwood Trees are not native to North America, they are widely cultivated across USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8, where they have become a favorite choice for ornamental gardens. Their adaptability to different climates and resistance to diseases, such as anthracnose, which often affects native dogwood species, makes them a reliable and beautiful option for homeowners and landscapers. Whether planted as a specimen tree or as part of a mixed border, Kousa Dogwood brings exotic charm and year-round interest to landscapes far beyond its native East Asian origins.

Yes, Kousa Dogwood Trees can grow in full sun, though they tend to perform best in locations that offer partial shade, especially in hotter climates. When planted in full sun, Kousa Dogwoods will still produce their signature white blooms in late spring and develop their attractive fall foliage. However, in regions with intense summer heat, full sun exposure can sometimes lead to stress, resulting in leaf scorch or reduced flowering. To help the tree thrive in full sun, ensure that the soil remains consistently moist and well-drained, as Kousa Dogwoods prefer a steady supply of water during their growing season.

In cooler climates, Kousa Dogwood Trees can tolerate full sun more effectively, producing abundant blooms and healthy foliage. If planting in full sun, consider applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, reducing the risk of drought stress. While Kousa Dogwoods are adaptable to a variety of light conditions, providing some afternoon shade in hotter climates will ensure the tree maintains its health, allowing you to enjoy its stunning flowers, vibrant fall color, and ornamental bark throughout the year.

Yes, birds are highly attracted to the berries of Kousa Dogwood Trees, making these trees a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes. In late summer to early fall, Kousa Dogwood produces distinctive, raspberry-like red berries that are a rich food source for various bird species, including robins, cardinals, and cedar waxwings. The berries are not only nutritious but also abundant, making them a favorite for birds as they prepare for migration or foraging during the fall months. By planting a Kousa Dogwood Tree, you can create a bird-friendly environment in your garden, supporting local wildlife while enjoying the tree’s multi-season appeal.

The berries of the Kousa Dogwood add even more ornamental value to the tree, as they follow the stunning white spring blooms and appear just before the vibrant red and purple fall foliage. In addition to attracting birds, these berries also add a unique texture and color to your landscape. If you’re looking for a tree that provides ecological benefits, such as feeding birds, while also offering aesthetic beauty, the Kousa Dogwood Tree is an excellent choice. This tree not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also contributes to supporting local ecosystems.

Kousa Dogwood Trees typically flower for an extended period of time, with their showy blooms lasting about 4 to 6 weeks. The flowering season begins in late spring to early summer, after the tree's leaves have fully emerged, which is later than many other dogwood species. The white to pinkish bracts surrounding the small true flowers create a striking display, and their long blooming period makes Kousa Dogwood a popular choice for gardeners looking for a tree that provides lasting seasonal interest. The extended flowering period allows homeowners to enjoy the beauty of the tree for a significant part of the growing season.

During their blooming period, Kousa Dogwood Trees become a focal point in the landscape, adding elegance and charm to garden borders, lawns, or woodland areas. The flowers not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the tree but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to your garden. As the flowers fade, the tree continues to offer visual interest with its vibrant summer berries and colorful fall foliage, making Kousa Dogwood a multi-season star in any garden setting. With proper care and the right growing conditions, these long-blooming dogwoods will provide beauty year after year.

Yes, Kousa Dogwood Trees are highly regarded for their disease resistance, particularly when compared to native dogwood species like Cornus florida. One of the key advantages of Kousa Dogwood is its natural resistance to anthracnose, a fungal disease that can severely affect other dogwoods. This makes Kousa Dogwood an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance tree that thrives without the need for constant care. In addition to anthracnose resistance, Kousa Dogwoods are also less susceptible to powdery mildew and other common tree diseases, making them a durable and resilient addition to the landscape.

Thanks to its disease-resistant nature, the Kousa Dogwood requires less intervention, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. This tree thrives in a variety of conditions, provided it is planted in well-drained soil and receives adequate moisture. The tree’s ability to resist disease allows it to maintain its stunning appearance throughout the year, with beautiful white blooms in late spring, followed by raspberry-like berries in summer, and vibrant fall foliage. By choosing a Kousa Dogwood, you ensure a long-lasting, healthy tree that offers year-round beauty without the worry of frequent disease management.

Our trees and shrub heights are measured from the top of the root ball to the top of the plant. We do not include the root system in our measurements. You can be assured that if we sell a tree at 4 to 5 feet high that after planting the tree will be 4 to 5 feet tall after planting.

You might see our sizes listed as 4 to 5 feet tall. Simply put, trees and shrubs grow. We are always pruning our plants to promote better branching and fuller canopies. This ensures you receive a plant that has been properly pruned to ensure health and vitality. Doing this can often change the height by 6 to 8 inches. By grading trees into 1-foot increments it assures you that you get what you’re paying for. Oftentimes our trees are sold above the height we specify but we never ship a plant that does not make the minimum height we specify.