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Woody > Cornus > Cornus kousa > Cornus kousa var. chinensis

Cornus kousa

var. chinensis


Kousa Dogwood




Origin:  Introduced from Japan to the United States by G. R. Hall in 1861-62 and now very common.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

The plant has distinct cream coloured bracts that often envelope the entire plant, these are followed by strawberry like fruit very similar to Arbutus. Autumn colour is not exceptional. As the plant matures and the branches are pruned to reveal the trunk, a light khaki coloured exfoliating bark may be seen. The most spectactular ones I have grown have been in full sun, in elevated beds in drought conditions. They do not seem to make the growth that their nearby cousins do in the garden proper, however they surpass other plants in the garden when they are in bloom. Coincidentally this grouping always produces a crop of coveted seedlings.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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Family
Cornaceae
Genus
Cornus
Species
kousa
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous)
Variety
chinensis
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
Canadian Hardiness Zone
4a - 8a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H4 - H7
Temperature (°C)
-29 -(-7)
Temperature (°F)
-20 - 20
Height
7 m
Spread
5 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
June
General Description
Broad, vase shaped tree or large shrub.
Landscape
Handsome small specimen tree, near large buildings or blank walls.
Cultivation
Prefers good garden soils and adequate moisture, will tolerate partial shade.
Shape
'V' shaped open crown.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
Flowers in June which is later than C. florida. Distinct cream coloured bracts with strawberry like fruit.
Habitat
Japan. Korea China and the Ryukyus.
Bark/Stem Description
Exfoliating with age.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Flower - formed at end of stem, fattened and globose
Leaf Description
Opposite, simple, elliptic-ovate.
Flower Description
Distinct cream coloured bracts.
Fruit Description
Drupe in pinkish to red 1-2.5 cm long, edible.
Colour Description
Dark green, pale yellow in the autumn.
Texture Description
Medium.
Notable Specimens
The A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
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