Kousa Dogwood vs White Dogwood: How to Choose the Best Ornamental Tree for Your Yard

When it comes to ornamental flowering trees, dogwoods are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. Two of the most common dogwood species are the native white dogwood (Cornus florida) and the Asian kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa). While they share some similarities, there are key differences between kousa dogwood and white dogwood. In this article, we’ll compare traits like flowers, fruit, size, and care needs to help you determine which dogwood is better for your yard.

An Overview of Dogwood Trees

Dogwoods belong to the genus Cornus and are cherished for their showy spring blooms surrounded by decorative bracts. They are small understory trees that provide multi-season interest. Planting a dogwood is an easy way to add color, texture and wildlife value to your garden.

The white dogwood is native across Eastern North America. It thrives in moist, well-draining soil and dappled shade. Meanwhile, the kousa dogwood hails from Asia. It adapts readily to varying conditions from full sun to partial shade if kept well watered. Kousa is also more disease resistant than white dogwood.

When deciding between kousa and white dogwood, look at how their flowers, fruit, sizes, care needs, and ornamental qualities are different. This will help you pick the right species for your needs.

Flowers and Blooming Time

One of the most notable differences between these two dogwoods is their flowering habit,

• The white dogwood blooms in early to mid spring with showy white (sometimes pink) bracts surrounding tiny flowers. The four notched bracts provide a star shape.

• Kousa dogwood flowers 2-3 weeks after white dogwood. Its blooms have pointed, overlapping bracts in creamy white with a yellow-green center.

• Flowering dogwood blossoms before leaf emergence, while kousa dogwood leaves unfurl as the flowers open.

So if you want dramatic early spring blooms, white dogwood is the better choice. For late spring flowers, go with kousa dogwood.

Fruit Structure and Production

The fruit of kousa and white dogwood also differs:

• White dogwood has bright, round, red fruit clusters that ripen in early fall. Birds relish the berries.

• Kousa dogwood bears larger strawberry-like fused fruit that ripens pinkish-red in late summer. Wildlife tend to leave them uneaten so they drop messily.

If being able to produce fruit for birds and pollinators is important, white dogwood is the best choice. Kousa has less wildlife value but unique fruit.

Mature Size, Form, and Foliage

In terms of size and shape, kousa and white dogwood share some similarities but also key differences:

• White dogwood is a small understory tree, maturing at 15-30 feet tall and wide in an oval to rounded shape.

• It has light green elliptical leaves that turn stunning reddish-purple in fall.

• Kousa dogwood also reaches 15-30 feet tall and wide at maturity but in a more upright vase-shaped form.

• Its leaves are pointed and dark green, turning inconsistent reddish in autumn.

Both are small ornamental trees, but white dogwood has a fuller, wider shape than upright kousa.

Ornamental Attributes

Beyond spring blooms, both dogwoods offer year-round visual appeal:

• White dogwood has reddish fall foliage, blue early fall fruit, and a striking winter silhouette. It also supports pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.

• Kousa dogwood offers summer blooms, cinnamon-hued exfoliating bark, and large red fruit in late summer. It has less wildlife value but textured bark.

For multi-season ornamental beauty, most gardeners prefer white dogwood. But kousa dogwood adds its own unique touches like late summer flowers and peeling bark.

Site Conditions and Care Needs

When it comes to preferred growing conditions, there are some notable differences:

• White dogwood does best in rich, moist, well-draining soil and partial sun to light shade. It needs supplemental water during drought. Prune when dormant.

• Kousa dogwood adapts to varying moisture levels, light conditions, and soil types including clay or sandy soils. It tolerates drought and full sun better than white dogwood. Prune in late winter.

So kousa dogwood is the lower maintenance option suitable for challenging sites. White dogwood requires more specific conditions to thrive.

Availability and Disease Resistance

Unfortunately, white dogwood has been severely impacted by dogwood anthracnose, a fungal disease that can kill the tree. As a result:

• White dogwood cultivars like ‘Cherokee Princess’ and ‘Cloud 9’ have been bred for disease resistance and are again widely available.

• Meanwhile, kousa dogwood shows natural resistance to anthracnose. It has long been substituted for white dogwood with varieties like ‘Milky Way’ and ‘Summer Fun’.

So in areas prone to anthracnose, kousa dogwood is the safer choice requiring less chemical treatment.

Growth Rate and Mature Size

When it comes to growth habit, these two dogwoods differ:

• White dogwood is slow growing, reaching its mature size in about 20 years. Occasional corrective pruning is needed to maintain its form.

• Kousa dogwood has a more vigorous growth rate. It may exceed its expected size dimensions and needs frequent pruning to control shape.

So for a slower growing ornamental specimen, choose white dogwood. If you want fast fill-in, go with kousa dogwood.

Wildlife Support

As a native species, the white dogwood naturally supports a wide array of moths, butterflies, and birds as food and habitat.

• Over 117 species of native caterpillars feed on white dogwood. The spring flowers offer nectar for pollinators while fall berries provide food for migrating birds.

• Since kousa dogwood is non-native with less palatable fruit, it has minimal wildlife value in North America.

If you want to support bees, butterflies, and birds, white dogwood is the clear winner. Kousa dogwood does not benefit native species as significantly.

Kousa Dogwood vs White Dogwood: Final Recommendations

• For impressive early spring blooms, red fall berries, and wildlife support, select white dogwood. It thrives with adequate moisture and light shade.

• Where disease resistance and adaptability are priorities, non-native kousa dogwood is a better pick. It works in challenging conditions.

• If you want summer flowers and ornamental bark, kousa dogwood offers visual interest longer into the year.

• For smaller gardens, choose white dogwood for its moderately slower, more compact growth habit.

• Give kousa dogwood space to grow to its full upright size of 20-30 feet. Prune it diligently to control shape.

With their decorative flowers and multi-season appeal, both dogwood species make excellent specimen trees. Carefully compare their respective strengths to determine which is better suited to your specific climate, soil, space, and needs. Consult local tree experts for advice on the top performers for your growing zone. With proper site selection and care, kousa and white dogwood can bring enduring beauty to gardens and landscapes.