Hardy from zones five to eight, the Kousa Dogwood tree is a popular option for providing visual interest in any exterior space. The hardiness zones of the tree make it easy for many homeowners to enjoy with little care and maintenance needed, apart from regular watering. The canopy of this species makes it easy to create a beautiful exterior space because of the intertwined branches of its wide canopy.
Kousa Dogwood Is A Small Built Tree
They require watering to give the foliage the deep colors that make them famous. The deep green leaves and attractive bark make this a famous tree that grows at a slow to medium rate, making pruning easy. The tree is renowned in areas with harsh winters, including New York State, where it has become naturalized.
Kousa Dogwood Has Beautiful Foliage
The tree's popularity is due to its deep green foliage. The green foliage is the main attraction in the spring, followed by a beautiful late-spring array. An array of star-shaped white flowers sits above the green leaves between May and June. The leaves and flowers of the tree fall to the ground in the Fall to leave a clear view of the beautiful bark.
The Kousa Dogwoods Has Interesting Bark
As the leaves of the tree fall, a view of the impressive bark is captured. The bark has been described as appearing similar to that of a jigsaw puzzle during the Fall. Many owners of these trees choose to prune the branches in the Fall to gain a better view of the bark. Another reason for pruning the branches is to promote new growth in Spring. In the Fall, the leaves of the tree transition to deep purple and red colors.
One reason Kousa Dogwood has become so popular is its slow rate of growth. The tree will grow between 12 and 24 inches per year in perfect conditions. Slow growth rates make the tree a good choice for areas with power lines and those who want to keep their exterior space under control. By the time the tree reaches maturity, it will reach around 25 feet in height and width to create a canopy ball.
The Kousa Dogwood is native to some parts of Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan. The tree was brought to the U.S. in the mid-1870s and has become popular along the East Coast. Its fruits have become popular with squirrels and birds throughout the U.S.