Chinese dogwood Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Wieting's Select'

Names

• Synonyms

  Chinese Dogwood, Kousa Dogwood, Korean Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Asian Dogwood.

• Common names

  Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Wieting's Select'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant known as Kousa Dogwood is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit of the Kousa Dogwood is edible when ripe and is often eaten fresh or used in various culinary dishes. However, ingesting unripe fruit or large quantities might cause some individuals to experience mild stomach upset. Other parts of the plant, such as the leaves, bark, and flowers are not typically consumed and could potentially cause irritation or discomfort if ingested in large amounts due to the presence of saponins, although they are not generally considered to be dangerously poisonous.

• To pets

  Kousa Dogwood is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. The fruit can be eaten by dogs and is not known to cause toxic effects. While the plant is not classified as poisonous, the ingestion of large amounts of the leaves, stems, or bark could potentially cause gastrointestinal irritation or upset in some pets due to the presence of saponins. It is always advisable to prevent pets from eating plant material, as individual sensitivity could vary and the potential for obstruction or other digestive issues should be considered.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)

• Spread

  15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5-8

• Native area

  China

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Cornus kousa 'Wieting's Select', commonly known as Chinese dogwood, has a beautiful floral display with a profusion of white to pink bracts in late spring, followed by attractive raspberry-like fruits.
• Four-Season Interest: This plant offers year-round interest with flowers in spring, fruits in summer, vivid autumn foliage, and exfoliating bark in the winter.
• Wildlife Attraction: Its fruits are a food source for birds and other wildlife, making it an excellent choice for nature-friendly gardens.
• Disease and Pest Resistance: This variety has enhanced resistance to common diseases like dogwood anthracnose and is less prone to pests.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Chinese dogwood has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for constant watering.
• Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal pruning and care once established, this plant is ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
• Improved Climate Resilience: 'Wieting’s Select' is known for its adaptability to various climate conditions, providing a reliable landscaping choice in different regions.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: The fruit of the Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Antioxidant: Kousa dogwood berries contain compounds with antioxidant effects, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage.
• Anticancer: Some studies suggest that extracts from Cornus kousa could have anticancer potential, though this is largely based on laboratory research rather than clinical studies.
• Antipyretic: Traditionally, parts of the plant may have been used to reduce fever, although there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this use.
• Antiviral: There have been some indications that compounds in Cornus kousa may have antiviral activities, but these claims require further research to substantiate their effectiveness in humans.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Cornus kousa, being a small and attractive tree, is often used as a bonsai, offering enthusiasts the ability to appreciate its beauty on a miniature scale.
• The fruits of Cornus kousa can be fermented to create a unique homemade wine with a distinctive flavor.
• In woodworking, the hard wood of Cornus kousa can be utilized for making small turned objects such as tool handles or intricate carvings.
• The blooms and branches can be used in floral arrangements, especially since the bracts can last longer than typical flowers when cut.
• The tree's dense branching pattern and foliage provide excellent shelter and nesting opportunities for birds within a garden setting.
• The rough textured bark can be used in landscape design, offering visual interest in the winter garden when the leaves have fallen.
• Fallen autumn leaves from Cornus kousa can be collected and used as a natural mulch, providing nutrients to garden beds.
• The shallow root system is ideal for planting over underground utilities where deep roots may cause damage.
• Leaves of the tree can be used for leaf casting, a garden art where the leaves are used to form concrete into decorative shapes that capture the intricate vein patterns.
• The fall foliage provides an important food source for caterpillars of certain moth species, supporting local biodiversity.

Feng Shui

The Chinese Dogwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Chinese Dogwood is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Beauty: The Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Wieting's Select', commonly known as the Chinese dogwood, is renowned for its strikingly beautiful flowers which symbolize beauty in the language of plants.
• Purity: The pristine white flower bracts of the Chinese dogwood are often associated with purity and innocence.
• Resilience: As a hardy plant that resists many diseases and pests, the Chinese dogwood represents resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.
• Endurance: With its strong structure and ability to adapt to various climates, the Chinese dogwood symbolizes endurance and lasting strength.
• Renewal: Blooming in late spring to early summer, when many other flowering trees are past their peak, the Chinese dogwood represents renewal and the promise of a new beginning.