Kousa Dogwood
First imported from Japan to the United States in the 19th century, the Kousa dogwood is a cousin of the native flowering dogwood. Like its native cousin, the Kousa dogwood's showy bracts (modified leaves), are mistaken for flowers. The flowers themselves are greenish-yellow and are found in the center of the bracts and bloom in early June.
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Leaves
2-4 inches, opposite arrangement, simple, tips taper to a point, tufts of hair on the vein axils and undersides -
Fruit
Dull, raspberry-red pendants when ripe -
Flower
Small; greenish-yellow; surrounded by four large, showy, pointed white bracts; turn pink with age; bloom early June -
Bark
Older bark develops exfoliating character, revealing a mix of gray-tan and mahogany brown
