Japanese Dogwood
Cornus kousa chinensis
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Pl. 9092 — Cornus kousa chinensis
Cornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensisCornus kousa chinensis
IOverview
Overview
Japanese Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus kousa chinensis, is a deciduous tree native to East Asia including China and Japan. It thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 5-8, this tree reaches heights of up to 10 meters. Known for its ornamental value with white flowers and red fruits, Japanese Dogwood is also edible, with both the fruit and leaves being consumable. Its distinctive features include showy clusters of white bracts that resemble small flowers and vibrant red berries in autumn.
Quick answers
What is Japanese Dogwood?
Japanese Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus kousa chinensis, is a deciduous tree native to East Asia including China and Japan. It thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Japanese Dogwood thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-8 and grows up to 10 meters tall. Propagate via seeds or hardwood cuttings. The fruit and leaves are edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Habit
Tree
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Japanese Dogwood for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Japanese Dogwood in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Japanese Dogwood sapling, well-draining soil, and a garden trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light, medium, or heavy with good drainage. Amend as needed for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings in early spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead or weak branches, promoting healthy growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, and not providing enough space for mature size are common errors.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Japanese Dogwood's fruit and leaves are edible. The fruits can be eaten raw or used in jams and jellies. Leaves may be steeped to make a tea. Both parts should be harvested with care as they contain saponins which can be bitter.
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 4 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 9 native· 4 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Nansei-shoto
introduced:Masachusettes, New York, North Carolina
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 90922e6e-1683-4b5d-a2fc-e6d6118c997a
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