Cornus kousa

Once seen, never forgotten, the creamy-white often pink-tinged bracts that smother the branches of this pretty little tree in spring render it perfect for cottage gardens, for light woodlands, for city or courtyard gardens. It makes a shapely tree growing slowly to 8m with a width of 5m and needs minimal pruning.

Originating in parts of China, Japan and Korea, Cornus kousa is totally hardy. Happy on most moist-but-well-drained soils in full sun or dappled shade, but better away from the cold drying winds.

The pointed leaves are simple in shape and slightly wavy margined with distinctive lateral veining. In May or June, the tree bears knobbly little greeny-white flowers that are surrounded by four slightly pointed white bracts. Then over the summer these develop into button shaped, almost strawberry-like red fruit which can apparently be eaten or made into jams and wines. Then this lovely little tree finishes the year with a superb autumn display of long-lasting crimson leaves.

‘Cornus’ comes from the Latin, meaning ‘horn’ possibly because the wood is so hard, which lends credence to the common name having derived from the straight grained wood which was fashioned into dags, (skewers,) and arrow shafts. Or it may be that it was long ago used to treat mange in dogs......