Dogwood and Kousa dogwood are two species of flowering trees that belong to the same family, but they have several distinct differences. In terms of physical appearance, both species have beautiful spring flowers, but there are variations in their bloom time and appearance.
The native Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is primarily found in North America, while the Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is native to Asia. This difference in geographical origin has influenced the evolution and adaptation of these two species to different environments and the animals native to those regions.
One of the most noticeable differences between the two species is their bloom time. The native Flowering Dogwood blooms in early spring, typically in March or April. This timing coincides with the emergence of local pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, which are actively searching for nectar and pollen. The flowers of the native dogwood are small, with four white or pink petals that surround a cluster of yellowish-green flowers. These flowers are a valuable source of early-season food for pollinators, helping to support the local ecosystem.
On the other hand, the Kousa dogwood blooms much later in the spring, usually in May or June. By this time, many of the local pollinators have already found alternative sources of nectar and pollen. The flowers of the Kousa dogwood are also unique in their appearance. They have a more star-like shape, with four pointed white or pink bracts surrounding a cluster of small yellowish-green flowers. These bracts often give the appearance of larger, showier flowers than the native dogwood.
Another noticeable difference between the two species is their fruit. The native Flowering Dogwood produces round, berry-like fruits that are green when young and turn bright red as they mature. These fruits are an important food source for many birds and small mammals, contributing to the dispersal of the dogwood’s seeds. In contrast, the Kousa dogwood produces spherical fruit that resembles raspberries. These fruits are not as attractive to local wildlife and are often left uneaten.
In terms of overall growth habit, the native Flowering Dogwood tends to be a smaller, understory tree, reaching heights of around 20-30 feet. It has a spreading, horizontal branching pattern and a relatively short lifespan of 30-40 years. The Kousa dogwood, on the other hand, can grow taller, reaching heights of 30-40 feet, and has a more upright, vase-shaped growth habit. It also tends to have a longer lifespan of 50-70 years.
In addition to these physical differences, there may also be variations in the cultural requirements and disease resistance between the two species. For example, the native Flowering Dogwood is more susceptible to diseases such as dogwood anthracnose, while the Kousa dogwood is generally more resistant.
While both the native Flowering Dogwood and the Kousa dogwood are beautiful flowering trees, they have distinct differences in their bloom time, flower appearance, fruit, growth habit, and disease resistance. These differences are largely influenced by their geographical origins and the animals native to those regions. Understanding these differences can help in choosing the right dogwood species for specific landscapes or gardening preferences.