Kousa dogwood Cornus kousa

Names

• Synonyms

  Kousa Dogwood, Korean Dogwood, Chinese Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Kousa, Eastern Dogwood.

• Common names

  Benthamia kousa, Benthamidia japonica, Cynoxylon kousa, Benthamia japonica.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit, which is often described as berry-like, is actually edible when ripe and is sometimes used to make wine or jelly. There is no widespread documentation of toxic effects from consuming the ripe fruit or other parts of the Kousa dogwood for humans.

• To pets

  Kousa dogwood is also considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. It is not commonly reported to cause poisoning in pets, and there is no well-documented evidence of Kousa dogwood causing adverse health effects. As with any non-food plant material, if pets consume large quantities of the plant, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the unfamiliar material rather than toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life 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

  Asia

General Benefits

• Landscape Aesthetics: Japanese Dogwood is a visually appealing plant with a distinctive vase shape and layered branching, which provides ornamental value to any landscape.
• Seasonal Interest: It offers a variety of seasonal interests with white or pink flower bracts in late spring, followed by red fruit and vibrant red to purple fall foliage.
• Wildlife Attraction: The tree produces berry-like fruits that attract birds and other wildlife, providing food for them especially in the fall and winter.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, Japanese Dogwood has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for a range of conditions and reducing the need for watering.
• Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal pruning and care once it is well-situated and established, making it convenient for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Cultural Significance: Japanese Dogwood is often used in festivals and garden displays in Asian cultures, imparting a sense of tradition and beauty.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Cornus kousa fruit extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity, which may help to protect cells from damage.
• Anticancer: Some studies suggest the existence of anticancer properties within the compounds found in Cornus kousa.
• Immune system modulation: There is evidence that Cornus kousa extracts can modulate the immune system, though the mechanisms are not fully understood.
• Antiviral: Extracts from the fruit have demonstrated antiviral effects against certain viruses in scientific studies.
• Antidiabetic: Cornus kousa may have potential benefits for blood sugar regulation, although robust clinical evidence is lacking.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Cornus kousa, commonly known as Kousa dogwood, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, where the bark and leaves provide varying shades of colors and patterns.
• The wood of Kousa dogwood is hard and dense, making it suitable for crafting small items like tool handles, golf club heads, and intricate woodworking projects.
• The fruit of Kousa dogwood can be fermented to make a unique wine with a tropical, fruity flavor different from traditional grape wines.
• Kousa dogwood is sometimes planted in urban environments since it tolerates pollution and compact soil better than many other trees, helping to green up cityscapes.
• The fallen leaves of the Kousa dogwood can be collected and used as a natural mulch to improve soil health and suppress weeds in gardens.
• Creative artists and craftsmen may use the textured bark of Kousa dogwood to create natural imprints in clay or for eco-printing on sustainable textiles.
• In bonsai, the Kousa dogwood is valued for its attractive flowers and fruit, making it a popular choice for creating miniature landscapes.
• The Kousa dogwood can act as a host plant for butterfly species like the Spring Azure, providing larval food for these pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.
• During winter, the distinctive, exfoliating bark of the Kousa dogwood adds visual interest to otherwise barren landscapes, enhancing the aesthetic of winter gardens.
• The fruits of the Kousa dogwood, while not commonly consumed in the West, can be made into exotic jams and preserves, offering a unique culinary experience.

Feng Shui

The Kousa dogwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Kousa dogwood is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Prosperity: Cornus kousa, commonly known as Kousa Dogwood, often blooms prolifically, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
• Protection: In some cultures, the Kousa Dogwood is seen as a protective entity due to its hardy nature, which can symbolize strength and defense against adversity.
• Purity: The bright white flowers of the Kousa Dogwood can represent purity and cleanliness, often associated with its crisp and clear appearance.
• Love: The delicate and attractive appearance of its flowers can symbolize love and affection; it's sometimes associated with romance.
• Endurance: Since the Kousa Dogwood is known for its ability to withstand various climates and diseases, it is often used as a symbol of endurance and resilience.