Kousa Dogwood Cornus kousa var. chinensis
ABOUT
The Cornus kousa var. chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese dogwood, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its showy appearance. It features a striking succession of notable blooms and foliage throughout the year. In early summer, the plant becomes particularly eye-catching due to its star-like blooms. Technically, these are not true flowers, but rather bracts, which are modified leaves that surround the plant's small, central clusters of inconspicuous flowers. These bracts start out as a greenish color before turning white. As the season progresses, they may develop hints of pink. The leaves of the Chinese dogwood are simple, ovate to lance-shaped, with an elegantly pointed tip. They offer a lush green backdrop throughout the growing season, before transforming into a dazzling display of autumn colors. In the fall, the foliage takes on a multitude of shades including reds, oranges, and purples, making the plant a standout in the landscape. Following the bracts, the Chinese dogwood produces berry-like fruits that are typically a vibrant shade of red or sometimes pink. The fruits are roughly globe-shaped and add another layer of visual interest in late summer and into the fall. They are also a food source for birds and wildlife. The bark of the Chinese dogwood provides visual interest in the winter months after the leaves have fallen. It is exfoliating and mottled, creating a subtly textured, mosaic-like pattern on the trunk and branches. The bark's hues of grays and browns add a touch of quiet beauty to the otherwise bare winter landscape. Overall, the Chinese dogwood is celebrated for its four-season appeal, with distinct and attractive features that change throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cornaceae.
Synonyms
Chinese Dogwood, Kousa Dogwood, Korean Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Chinese Kousa.
Common names
Benthamia kousa (Hance) Nakai, Benthamia japonica (Siebold & Zucc. ex Hance) Nakai, Cynoxylon kousa (Hance) Nakai, Cornus kousa Hance.
ToxicityTo humans
The Chinese dogwood, more commonly known as Kousa dogwood, is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. In fact, the fruit of this plant is edible and often eaten fresh or used in various culinary applications. There are no significant reports of toxicity from ingesting the leaves, fruit, or other parts of the Kousa dogwood for humans.
To pets
The Kousa dogwood is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants commonly recognized as poisonous to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. However, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material may cause some gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some pets due to the non-digestible fibers, rather than specific toxicity. If a pet displays adverse symptoms after consuming any part of the plant, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)
Spread
15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Kousa dogwood is prized for its attractive flower-like bracts, which bloom in the late spring to early summer, providing aesthetic appeal to landscapes.
- Wildlife Support: Its berries are a source of food for various species of birds, contributing to biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, the Kousa dogwood is known for its moderate drought tolerance, making it suitable for varied climates and reducing the need for constant watering.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Compared to other dogwoods, it has a higher resistance to common dogwood pests and diseases, such as dogwood anthracnose and borer insects.
- Shade Tolerance: The Kousa dogwood can thrive in partial shade, giving it versatility for planting under the canopy of larger trees or in areas with variable sunlight.
- Four Season Interest: With its spring blooms, summer fruits, vibrant autumn foliage, and exfoliating winter bark, the Kousa dogwood provides visual interest throughout the year.
- Adaptability: It adapts well to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic soils, allowing it to be planted in various locations and conditions.
- Erosion Control: The root system of the Kousa dogwood can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil loss.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small stature makes it ideal for residential gardens and public spaces where a large tree would be impractical.
Medical Properties- Anticancer Effects: Cornus kousa var. chinensis extract has shown potential anticancer properties in some laboratory studies.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant’s extract may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant Activity: The fruit of Cornus kousa var. chinensis is known to contain antioxidants, which can help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cornus kousa var. chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese dogwood, can be used in woodworking or crafts due to its hard, dense wood, which is good for making small items such as handles or inlays.
- The fruit of the Chinese dogwood, when ripe, can be made into a homemade wine or fermented beverage with a unique flavor profile.
- Chinese dogwood leaves can be used in the garden as mulch, which adds nutrients to the soil as they decompose and also helps retain soil moisture.
- Dried Chinese dogwood berries can be used to produce natural dyes for textile coloring, though the color fastness might vary depending on processing.
- The strong branches of the Chinese dogwood can be used as natural stakes or supports for other plants in the garden.
- During the winter, the bark of the Chinese dogwood offers an interesting texture for garden displays or decorative arrangements.
- The blossoms of the Chinese dogwood can be used for making floral syrups which can impart subtle flavors to desserts or cocktails.
- Chinese dogwood sawdust can be added to compost pits as a source of carbon, helping to balance the nutrient composition of the compost.
- In large landscapes, the Chinese dogwood can be used for erosion control with its root system helping to stabilize the soil.
- The unique branching pattern and symmetry of the Chinese dogwood can be inspirational for artists and designers in creating naturalistic motifs and patterns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Kousa dogwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Kousa dogwood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The delicate and ornamental nature of the Kousa Dogwood's flowers symbolize natural beauty and aesthetic appeal.
- Resilience: Since Kousa Dogwoods are resistant to many diseases that affect other dogwoods, they represent strength and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Purity: The white color of the Kousa Dogwood's four-pointed flowers is often associated with purity, innocence, and cleanliness in many cultures.
- Rebirth: Kousa Dogwoods bloom in late spring to early summer, symbolizing rejuvenation and the start of new beginnings, similar to many other plants that flower during this season.
- Endurance: Due to the tree's hardiness and longevity, it stands as a symbol for endurance and the ability to persist over time.
WaterChinese dogwood requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Young trees should be watered deeply every week, providing around 1 to 2 gallons per watering to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. After establishment, watering can be reduced, but in the absence of rainfall, a good soak every two to three weeks is beneficial. During hot, dry periods, water may be needed weekly, but always check the soil moisture to a depth of a few inches before adding water.
LightChinese dogwood thrives in conditions with partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot would allow the tree to receive morning sunlight and partial shade during the peak heat of the afternoon. Avoiding intense, prolonged midday sun especially in hotter climates helps to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureChinese dogwood is hardy and adapts well to a range of temperature conditions, typically from 20 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growth temperatures are within the moderate range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can withstand short spells of temperatures just below freezing, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may damage the plant.
PruningPruning Chinese dogwood is necessary to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the leaf buds open. Light pruning can be done annually, while more significant shaping or thinning should be done every few years to keep the tree healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for growing Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis) is a well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix including compost, loam, and coarse sand or pine bark is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingKousa dogwoods are primarily outdoor plants and do not typically require repotting. If grown in containers, young trees may need repotting every couple of years, but mature trees are usually planted in the ground.
Humidity & MistingKousa dogwood thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements, but they benefit from the moisture in a typical outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; provide mulch and space to grow.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleCornus kousa var. chinensis, commonly known as Chinese dogwood, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification, germinates in the spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant, establishing a root system and a shoot that will grow into a trunk. Over several years, the sapling matures into an adult tree, developing a branching canopy and producing characteristic opposite leaves. This tree flowers in late spring to early summer, featuring showy white to pink bracts surrounding small greenish-yellow flowers which are highly attractive to pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into berry-like fruits, which mature by late summer to fall and are eaten by birds that disperse the seeds. The Chinese dogwood continues this cycle annually, with growth and dormancy phases, depending on the season, and can live for multiple decades with proper care and favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chinese dogwood, or Cornus kousa var. chinensis, can be effectively propagated by softwood cuttings during the late spring or early summer when the new growth is still tender and flexible. To do this, a 4 to 6 inch cutting (10 to 15 cm) from a healthy branch should be taken, making sure it has several leaves. The bottom leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one node where the leaves were removed is below the soil surface. The pot is kept moist but not waterlogged and is placed in a brightly lit area without direct sunlight. In a few weeks, the cutting should root, and this can be checked by lightly tugging on the plant; if there is resistance, roots have likely formed. Once rooted, the new Chinese dogwood plant can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
