{"product_id":"dogwood-kousa","title":"Dogwood, Kousa","description":"\u003ch2\u003eKousa Dogwood (\u003cem\u003eCornus kousa\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKousa dogwood extends the dogwood season with pointed, white bracts after the leaves emerge. This East Asian tree also offers mottled mature bark, red-purple fall foliage, and round pink-red fruit in late summer or fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Different Kind of Dogwood Fruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe soft yellow-orange pulp is edible when fully ripe. Texture and flavor vary among trees; the fruit contains hard seeds, so separate the pulp from the seeds before eating or using it. Think of it as an occasional garden fruit alongside the ornamental display, with some left for visiting wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlan for Cross-Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not rely on a lone tree for a dependable fruit crop. Kousa dogwood is generally self-incompatible, although a little self-set can occur. Use a genetically different Cornus kousa with overlapping bloom if fruit is a priority. A second independent seedling can provide different genetics; another plant of the same named clone does not. An unrelated dogwood species is not a dependable substitute.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKeep an Asian Tree in Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is not native to North America. It provides flowers and fruit in the garden, but the native flowering dogwood has its own local host relationships and restoration role. Kousa is generally less susceptible to dogwood anthracnose than flowering dogwood, while still needing suitable soil and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWell-Drained Soil and a Broadening Crown\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose acidic, well-drained soil with steady establishment moisture. It tolerates some dryness once established but does poorly in waterlogged ground. Allow room for the crown to widen with age; afternoon shade is useful on hot sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan; not a North American native.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSun:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium moisture, acidic and well-drained.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature height:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 20–30 feet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom:\u003c\/strong\u003e May–June locally, generally later than flowering dogwood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA zones 5–8.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft edible pulp around hard seeds; individual flavor and crop vary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlanting and Ongoing Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater the root ball thoroughly at planting, keep mulch away from the trunk or crown, and water through dry spells while roots establish. Check for circling roots before planting and protect the root zone from mowing damage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warren County Nursery","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon \/ 3-4'","offer_id":46340894556419,"sku":"NAT-1373","price":57.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/1128\/8067\/files\/dogwood_kousa_a0724b64-b0eb-4442-b7a2-0a833a30d1c5.jpg?v=1731702388","url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/dogwood-kousa","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}