Description

A small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Young trees have an upright, vase-shape habit, becoming more widely rounded with age. White flower “petals” are actually bracts which surround the center cluster of insignificant, yellowish-green, true flowers. Flowers are followed by berry-like fruits which persist into fall. Dark green leaves. Mottled, exfoliating, tan and gray bark on mature trees is attractive in winter. Attracts birds.

Mandarin Jewel® is a 2014 introduction from Tim Brotzman of Brotzman’s Nursery in Madison, Ohio. It was selected for its profuse clean, white flowers and dark green leaves. The fruits begin yellow, turning pumpkin-orange when ripe. Fall foliage coloration is orange and yellow.

C. kousa has better disease resistance and better cold hardiness than flowering dogwood, C. florida, as well as flowering a month later than the native tree. Leaf scorch may occur in full sun. Grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12″ to 24″ per year.

Height: 15-25 ft.
Spread: 10-15 ft.
Family: Cornaceae
Bloom time: late May through early June
Sun: full sun to part shade
Water: medium
According to Rutgers University, Cornus kousa. are “seldom severely damaged” by deer.

photo credit: Amada44