Cornus kousa Seeds | Kousa Dogwood
LATIN NAME: Cornus kousa
COMMON NAME: Kousa Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa is a tree in the dogwood family (Cornaceae), native to woodlands of the east Asia, while it has been cultivated widely in gardens for its flowers. At maturity it stands about Eight metres. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the dogwood family, Cornus kousa is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Kousa dogwood has a real and distinguished place in research. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Kousa Dogwood for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Kousa dogwood is a small to medium-sized, deciduous tree of woodlands, bearing glossy, dark-green leaves and white, petal-like bracts in late spring, followed by red, strawberry-like fruits. Its flowers feed bees and other pollinators, and its red fruits are a food for birds, while its layered, horizontal branches and brilliant autumn colour give a fine presence in garden and the park. To raise kousa dogwood, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little trees on in the light. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Cornelian cherry fruits, Shan Zhu Yu, are a classical Chinese astringent tonic herb and a tart, vitamin-rich fruit for preserves; the genus’s iridoid glycosides, loganin and morroniside, are studied for kidney-protective effects.
Growing from Seed
Kousa Dogwood grows readily from seed. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
At around eight metres, it stays at a scale that suits modest gardens. Its role in herbal practice, noted above, adds depth to an already garden-worthy plant. It tolerates the sort of small mistakes every beginner makes.
Related Reading
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