Cornus kousa

Cornus kousa is also known as Benthamidia japonica, Dendrobenthamia japonica, Benthamia japonica, Cornus japonica, Benthamidia kousa, Chinese Dogwood, Korean Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Kousa, Szechuan Strawberry, or Kousa Dogwood. It is part of the Cornaceae family of plants. It is a small, deciduous tree. Cornus kousa is native to East Asia.

It has opposite oval leaves. It has small yellow-green flowers that are surrounded by four creamy white bracts. It flowers in spring about a month after Cornus florida. After flowering, it produces a globose pink and red strawberry-like berry. They can grow to 4cm or 2in if they remain on the tree long. It is an edible fruit that is sometimes used to make wine.

Grow Cornus kousa in the sun or partial shade. Plant in most types of soil as long as they are humus-rich and well-drained. Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings. It is generally pest-free. Watch out for cornus anthracnose disease.

Also read about Cornus capitata