Kousa Dogwood, Korean Dogwood, Chinese Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood
Cornus kousa
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The Kousa Dogwood fruit is edible when fully ripe, having a sweet, custard-like flavor. It can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and beverages. Its attractive form and flowers make it an excellent ornamental tree for permaculture gardens. It provides habitat and food for wildlife. It also offers erosion control on slopes. No specific edible cultivars are widely documented.
Permapeople description
Young leaves are edible.
Botanical description
Cornus kousa is a deciduous tree or large shrub reaching 20-40 feet tall. Its bark is exfoliating, creating a mottled effect. The leaves are opposite, simple, ovate, and 2-4 inches long with entire margins. It produces showy, pointed bracts surrounding the central flower clusters in late spring to early summer. These bracts are typically white or pinkish-white. The fruit is a pinkish-red, globular aggregate fruit, about 1 inch in diameter, maturing in late summer to fall. Fall foliage is usually reddish-purple. The plant prefers well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun.
Companion planting
Generally compatible with acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries. Avoid planting near plants that prefer alkaline soil. Good companions include ferns and woodland wildflowers. No significantly detrimental companion plants are widely reported.
Propagation methods
Propagation can be achieved through seeds (requires stratification), softwood cuttings taken in early summer, hardwood cuttings taken in late fall to winter, and layering. Grafting is also used for specific cultivars.
History and traditions
In East Asia, especially Korea and Japan, Cornus kousa has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental tree. Its fruit has been consumed as a traditional food source. It is also used in traditional medicine. The wood is sometimes used for small woodworking projects.
Usage calendar
Flowering: Late Spring - Early Summer. Fruit Ripening: Late Summer - Fall. Planting: Spring or Fall. Pruning: Late Winter - Early Spring (to remove dead or crossing branches). Seed Collection: Fall.