Kousa dogwood

Cornus kousa Bürger ex Hance

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no source makes a pet toxicity statement.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 5B to 8B per UF/IFAS (Milky Way variety); USDA 4 to 8 per Utah State University
Light: Full sun to part shade; in the South it does best with some afternoon shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 20 to 30 ft (6 to 9 m) tall and 15 to 30 ft (4.5 to 9 m) wide; the description says a mature height of 30 ft. Clemson: about 15 to 20 ft (4.5 to 6 m) tall and wide. UF/IFAS (Milky Way variety only): 15 to 20 ft (4.5 to 6 m) tall and wide.
Family: Cornaceae (NC State, UF/IFAS)
Where it comes from: NC State: native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan (and the Himalaya east); introduced in parts of the US. Clemson: from Japan, Korea and China; not native to North America.