Tree Categories: Fall Color Trees, Flowering Trees, Ornamental Trees, and Shade Trees
Mature Tree Height: 20-40 feet tall | Mature Tree Width: 20-30 feet wide
Tree Growing Zones: Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, and Zone 8
The Chinese Dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis) is a small-sized ornamental flowering tree. It is known for its star-shaped white flowers that bloom in the spring that have 4 very pointy petals surrounding a green-yellow center. This tree has a vase-shaped crown when young and matures to a more rounded form with layered, horizontal branches. Red fruits resembling strawberries follow the flower bloom and stay on the tree throughout the season if the birds do not eat them all before then. Oval, dark green leaves cover the canopy and are able to provide shade beneath. In the fall, these leaves transform into a splendid purple-red to cardinal red before falling for the winter and revealing an elegant display of exfoliating, spotty, tan gray bark.
The Chinese Dogwood is native to China. It is identifiable from the Kousa Dogwood by its slightly larger flowers, larger fruit, and larger and smoother leaves. This tree is a great option for a spot in the garden or yard where it will be seen. Its four seasons of ornamental value make it an adequate fit for most places in the landscape. It does best in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils.
