Kousa Dogwood; Asian Flowering Dogwood (cornus kousa)

An exceptionally beautiful small tree. Resembles our native flowering dogwood, Cornus florida in the general size and shape of the tree, having a pleasing tiered structure with horizontal branches and neat foliage. The showy white flowers also resemble those of our native dogwood. Cornus kousa, however, flowers later, in June here, after the tree is in full leaf. A mature specimen in flower is a glorious sight. The white flowers develop a shell pink color as they age, and persist for weeks. In fall the fruits, which look rather like long-stemmed cherries, turn bright red. A tree laden with ripe fruit is so attractive that it is difficult at times to decide whether the tree is more ornamental when in flower or in fruit. Furthermore, the fruits are sweet and edible, and are also enjoyed by birds. Cornus kousa is also considered more cold hardy and more resistant to pests and diseases than our native flowering dogwood.