Chinese Dogwood, Cornus kousa var. chinensis is a multi-branched, deciduous shrub with an impressive, wide, rounded shape. The leaves are oval, pointed, dark green, and prominently veined. The striking flowers are tiny, yellowish green clusters that have large, bright white, star-shaped leaf bracts. The blooms appear abundantly in June. They are followed by round, pinkish red, edible berries, from late summer into the fall. Depending on the age of the Chinese Kousa dogwood, the tree takes on a different appearance. Young trees grow in an upright fashion and in somewhat of a conical shape. They are vase-shaped in their youth. As a Kousa matures, it develops more horizontal branching, rounded form, and becomes more wide-spreading. Chinese Flowering Dogwood can be pruned and maintained as a small, ornamental tree. This shrub is beneficial for local pollinators and native wildlife species. The leaves change to a magnificent orange-red colour in the fall. The bark is tan and grey coloured, adding some winter interest as well. Chinese Dogwood prefers consistently moist conditions, especially in the hot summer.
