Trees

Cornus kousa subsp. chinensis

Chinese kousa dogwood

Also known as: Cornus kousa var. chinensis

Cornus kousa var. chinensis in bloom at Cambridge University Botanic Garden; licensed photograph, not current inventory.

Chinese kousa dogwood is a geographical form rather than a named cultivar. Creamy-white bracts surround small green flowers in early summer, followed by fleshy pink-red fruits. Pointed green leaves turn crimson-purple in autumn, and its freely branching habit develops into a substantial large shrub or small deciduous tree.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Size: Height: About 23 ft · Width: 13–26 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–8
Bloom: Creamy-white bracts, early summer

Sizes & prices

#5Edible tasty round fruit$64.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen
Growth rate: Slow
Form: Erect; Horizontal; Rounded; Spreading; Vase
Fruit / litter: Raspberry-like fruits fall in late summer and autumn; fermenting fruit can attract yellow jackets and seedlings may appear.
Major issues: Generally less anthracnose-prone than flowering dogwood; scale, borers, canker and leaf diseases remain possible.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Some browsing resistance; not deer-proof. Protect young plants.
Drought: Species tolerates some dryness once established, better than flowering dogwood; irrigate prolonged drought.
Wet soil: Does not tolerate waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous

Growing & care

Site: Prefers acidic soil and some afternoon shade; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Allow the layered crown to develop naturally; restrict pruning to damaged, crossing or diseased branches.
Soil: Well-drained

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

Trees and Shrubs Online

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Photo: Magnus Manske · CC BY-SA 3.0

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.