Trees

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

Milky Way kousa dogwood

Milky Way kousa dogwood, photograph; seasonal appearance varies.

Milky Way is a richly flowering kousa dogwood, with white bracts above the leafy canopy in late spring. Rounded fruits and autumn leaf color extend its garden interest, while mature bark becomes an attractive winter feature. Allow room for a broad crown rather than treating it as a narrow accent.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 15–20 ft · Width: 15–20 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–8
Bloom: White bracts, late spring

Sizes & prices

#7Giant White Dogwood Flowers$149.99

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

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen
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.
Growth rate: Species guidance: slow; cultivar and growing conditions may differ.
Form: Broad upright crown with spreading, layered branches.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: 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
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

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

University of Florida IFAS Extension

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NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Photo: Wouter Hagens · Public domain (author release)

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