Cornus kousa dogwood with star-like white bracts in early summer
Cornus kousa kousa dogwood in bloom with white pointed bracts over green foliage
Cornus kousa dogwood with raspberry-like red fruit in late summer
Cornus kousa dogwood showing mottled exfoliating bark
Cornus kousa kousa dogwood as a small specimen tree with white bracts
Cornus kousa dogwood with star-like white bracts in early summer
Cornus kousa kousa dogwood in bloom with white pointed bracts over green foliage
Cornus kousa dogwood with raspberry-like red fruit in late summer
Cornus kousa dogwood showing mottled exfoliating bark
Cornus kousa kousa dogwood as a small specimen tree with white bracts
Pollinator Drought Tolerant Edible

Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa

$20.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 5–8 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 15–30 Feet

Cornus kousa is the kousa dogwood, an elegant small tree with star-like white bracts in early summer, edible raspberry-like fruit, and beautifully mottled bark.

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The Full Story

This elegant small tree carries a graceful, vase-shaped habit that rounds out with age. Blooming two to three weeks after Cornus florida, the kousa dogwood opens striking, pointed flower bracts in late spring to early summer, extending the dogwood season. The bracts surround clusters of tiny true flowers in a star-like display that sets this dogwood apart.

In late summer come vibrant, raspberry-like fruits, red and rounded, that draw birds and are edible for people too, sweet-pulped if a little soft in texture. The exfoliating bark peels away in patches, revealing a mosaic of rich brown, gray, and tan that adds real winter beauty once the branches are bare.

Notably more drought-tolerant and more disease-resistant than Cornus florida, the kousa dogwood suits a wide range of North American climates, at home in both city gardens and naturalized landscapes. Whether set as a standout specimen or woven into a border, this dogwood offers four seasons of interest, from lush foliage to flowers, fruit, and bark.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–8
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 15–30 Feet · Spread 15–25 Feet
Growth rate
Slow to Moderate
Seasonality
Deciduous
Design Notes

A four-season small tree for a specimen spot near a patio, an entry, or a path, a mixed border, or a woodland garden, where the early-summer bracts, red fall color, edible fruit, and mottled winter bark can each take a turn. The kousa dogwood is tougher, more drought-tolerant, and more disease-resistant than the native flowering dogwood, so it suits city sites as well as naturalized ones. Give a darker backdrop to set off the white bracts, and site where the peeling bark can be read up close in winter.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Star-like white bracts, late spring to early summer

Flower. Large, pointed, star-shaped white to pale pink bracts, three to four inches across, surround a small cluster of yellow-green true flowers in late spring to early summer. Unlike native Cornus florida, the kousa blooms after the tree has leafed out, so the bracts float against fresh green.

Fruit. Round, raspberry-like fruits about an inch across ripen pinkish-red in late summer and fall, edible and sweet-pulped for people and much loved by birds.

Foliage and bark. Ovate, pointed, glossy green leaves turn deep red to purplish-pink in fall; the older bark exfoliates into a mosaic of brown, gray, and tan for winter interest.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to part shade; some afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch in hot climates.

Soil. Well-drained, organically rich, slightly acidic to neutral ground; avoid heavy, poorly drained soil.

Water. Water regularly for the first few years to establish; keep evenly moist. Once settled, moderately drought tolerant, with a deep soak in prolonged dry spells.

Pruning. Little needed; remove dead or crossing wood in late winter and set the root flare high at planting, never deep.

Hardiness. USDA zones 5 to 8.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.