Chinese Dogwood

Cornus kousa var. chinensis

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Full Retail Price: $195 (Why the difference?)


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Characteristics:
Small, deciduous tree, rounded to vase-shaped with strongly-tiered branching.

Growing Conditions:
Grows best in light shade. Requires adequate soil moisture to thrive, and will not tolerate prolonged heat and drought. Choosing a planting site with afternoon shade (on the east or north side of your home, or from a nearby large yard tree) will beenfit this tree.

Uses:
Ornamentally appealing for its bark, flower and fall color.

Height:
30' at maturity

Width:
20' at maturity

Shape:
Widely vase-shaped to rounded, with layered branches

Flowers:
Star-shaped, showy white to greenish-white bracts (leaves that flowers grow from) surround a small, inconspicuous flower.

Leaves:
Leaves are oval with smooth edges, shiny dark green above and paler below, turning purple in fall.

Bark:
Initially smooth and light brown, but later exfoliating into small patches forming a tan and brown camouflage-like pattern.

More Information:
NOTE BEFORE PLANTING: Dogwoods are very popular trees, but they are considered overplanted in many areas, and they are often planted in unsuitable locations where they are susceptible to leaf scorch, curling, and stunted growth. In the wild dogwoods are commonly found as understory trees. Many dogwoods are not particularly drought- or heat-tolerant, requiring irrigation during drought periods in summer. If your site is hot, dry and sunny in the summer, please consider planting an alternative tree that can thrive there.