Korean Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Learn about the Korean dogwood tree, including why it was planted and where to find it.
Tree Facts
Traits
- Upright, vase shape when young, becoming wider with age
- Football-shaped leaves with smooth edges
- Abundant white or pink flowers in June
- Reddish-purple leaves in fall
- Red fruit that resembles raspberries or strawberries in fall
Native Range
- East Asia
Story of the Tree
Korean dogwood is a true multi-season tree with its beautiful growth habit, peeling bark, abundant flowers, red fruits, and colorful fall leaves.
Unlike the native Pacific dogwood, this dogwood tree blooms after the leaves emerge and is more resistant to diseases. The Korean dogwood was introduced to North America in the late 1800s.
The Korean dogwood just west of Office Building 2 commemorates Robin Arnold-Williams, former DSHS secretary. She served in that role from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2014.
Another Korean dogwood just west of the O'Brien Building commemorates Cathy Maynard, former Speaker's Attorney, who served in the role from 1999 to 2021.