Cornus kousa aka Japanese Dogwood

Cornus kousa, or kousa dogwood, belongs to the dogwood family. Its native range spans parts of China, Japan, and Korea. It also reaches the eastern Himalayas and Taiwan. This small tree sheds its leaves each fall. It can also grow as a shrub with several stems. Garden trees reach 15–30 feet [4.6–9.1 metres] tall. Their spread can match their height or exceed it. RHS gives a smaller range of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Young trees have a narrow base and spreading crown. Older trees grow rounder, with broad, tiered branches.

Young bark is smooth and pale brown. With age, patches peel off to reveal tan and brown. Thin shoots start green or purple, then turn light brown. The dark green leaves grow in pairs along stems. They have oval blades and long, pointed tips. In fall, they turn red, purple-red, or scarlet. This color can last three to five weeks. The bare branches and patchy bark add winter interest.

The tree blooms in May and June, after leaves emerge. Four pointed bracts surround each small cluster of true flowers. These bracts look like petals but are modified leaves. They start white and may turn pink with age. The small flowers at their center are greenish yellow. Bracts can keep their color for about six weeks. Round fruits turn pink-red as they ripen in late summer. They look like raspberries and may remain into October. Birds eat them, while butterflies visit the flowers.

Grow this tree in sun or light shade. Some afternoon shade suits it in hot sites. It prefers rich soil that drains well but stays moist. Acid to neutral soil gives good growing conditions. Sandy loam also suits it. Keep moisture steady during hot summer weather. Dry soil in full sun can lead to leaf scorch. Waterlogged soil can kill the tree. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–8 and RHS H6. Use it on lawns, near patios, or in woodland borders.

Most trees have few serious pest or disease problems. Scale insects, borers, sawflies, and leafhoppers can still cause trouble. Blight, canker, mildew, and leaf spot may also occur. RHS lists anthracnose and honey fungus as possible diseases. Fallen fruit can ferment and draw yellow jackets. Seedlings beneath trees may become weeds. People can eat the fruit raw or cooked. The pulp is sweet, but the skin is tough. Young leaves are edible when cooked. PFAF reports no known hazards. The hard, heavy wood has uses such as mallets.