Cornus kousa Cultivars S-Z

'S.Hoffen'

A slow-growing, variegated cultivar with grey-green, white-margined leaves and small inflorescences; shrubby (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Samzam'

Another cultivar in the Biblical Series™ released by Lake County Nursery, Ohio. A seedling of a Milky Way Group plant, this is one of the most vigorous variegated selections (Hatch 2018–2020). The leaves are green with undulating, creamy-white edges, taking on shades of pink and maroon in autumn (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). Molecular data show it belongs to subsp. chinensis; a genetic sample of the North American cultivar ‘Spiritual’ proved identical (Moreau et al. 2024).

Young involucres of Cornus kousa 'Samzam' Samaritan. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

'Satomi'

One of the best pink forms available, and consequently quite common in cultivation (often misnamed ‘Miss Satomi’). ‘Satomi’ forms a medium-sized broad tree (Edwards & Marshall 2019) with glossy green leaves that are sometimes edged with red or have red veins (Hatch 2018–2020, Cappiello & Shadow 2005). The bracts are wide, slightly overlapping, the pigmentation less pronounced if grown in deep shade or during severe drought. Autumn foliage is purple-red. The cultivar was selected in Japan by Akiri Shibamichi, and introduced commercially by Brookside Gardens, Maryland in 1980 or 1981, who assigned the cultivar name, though the plant began to accrue trade synonyms from a very early date (Moreau et al. 2024). Cappiello and Shadow (2005) thought ‘Schmred’ Heart Throb^TM, introduced by Jim Schmidt, Oregon, to be identical with ‘Satomi’, a suspicion subsequently confirmed by molecular sequencing (Moreau et al. 2024). ‘Hanros’ Radiant Rose^TM is very similar, but maintained as distinct by the specialist British Junker Nursery. ‘Satomi’ is parent of the variegated sport ‘Akatsuki’.

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' (John Massey's Garden, Ashwood Nurseries, Staffordshire, UK; 6 June 2023). Image John Grimshaw.

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' (John Massey's Garden, Ashwood Nurseries, Staffordshire, UK; 6 June 2023). Image John Grimshaw.

The deep pink involucres of Cornus kousa 'Satomi' at Junker's Nursery, Somerset, UK. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

The broad spreading habit of Cornus kousa 'Satomi' (Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France; 19 May 2026). Image James Garnett.

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' with attractive glossy green foliage and (in this shady situation) white involucres with pink tints (Acc. 87128, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 25 May 2011). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Immature involucres of Cornus kousa 'Satomi' (Jardin Botanique de Gondremer, Autrey; 27 May 2006). Image Koen Camelbeke, Arboretum Wespelaar.

Superb autumn colouring in Cornus kousa 'Satomi'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Schmetterling'

Introduced by Plantentuin Esveld, Netherlands as a upright selection with large, distinct white bracts (Cappiello & Shadow 2005)

The pleasing symmetry of the involucres of Cornus kousa 'Schmetterling' (Acc. 17380, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 21 June 2024). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Cornus kousa 'Schmetterling' (Acc. 17380, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 21 June 2024). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Foliage and inflorescences of Cornus kousa 'Schmetterling'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Close-up on the pinkish leaves and unripe fruits of Cornus kousa 'Schmetterling'. Nursery Les Jardins Idée-Ô, Haut-Ittre, Belgium. 12 September 2020. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Close-up on the pink red globose fruit of Cornus kousa 'Schmetterling'. Nursery Les Jardins Idée-Ô, Haut-Ittre, Belgium. 12 September 2020. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Autumn colour beginning to appear on Cornus kousa 'Schmetterling'. Nursery Les Jardins Idée-Ô, Haut-Ittre, Belgium. 12 September 2020. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

'Select'

Resembles ‘Greensleeves’, but without the green pigmentation to the bracts, and the leaves lack undulations; selected by Select Trees, Athens, Georgia (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Shira Yuki'

Striking variegated grey-green leaves with irregular cream margins and remarkable crimson-pink autumn foliage; white bracts (Pépinière Le Try 2025; Esveld 2026).

'Silver Cup'

Cup-shaped involucres; selected by Mary (Polly) Wakefield (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). Moreau et al. (2024) recovered this as straight C. kousa subsp. kousa, without admixture of subsp. chinensis.

'Silver Pheasant'

A variegated cultivar with deep green, white-margined leaves, selected by Mark Bulk, Boskoop, Netherlands; Cappiello and Shadow (2005) question its stability.

The small inflorescences of Cornus kousa 'Silver Pheasant' tend to disappear into the somewhat garish foliage. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

'Silverstar'

Vigorous, vase-shaped habit, slightly later flowering, and hardy to –29°C. The inflorescences are unusually wide-bracted, the involucre somewhat cupped. Grown from seed collected by Mary (Polly) Wakefield in 1972 from the largest-fruited C. kousa at the Arnold Arboretum (US PP03261 P; Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Simpson No. 1'

Floriferous, spreading in habit, eventually to 6 m wide; introduced by Simpson Nursery, Vincennes, Indiana (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Simpson No. 2'

Similar to ‘Simpson No. 1’ but more upright, to 7.5 m tall × 5.5 m wide; introduced by Simpson Nursery, Vincennes, Indiana (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Sluis Slim'

An erect, columnar selection with white bracts and deep green foliage (Junker Nursery 2023).

Foliage and inflorescences of Cornus kousa 'Sluis Slim'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Snow Flurry'

A free-flowering selection with a distinctively V-shaped habit, forming a bushy shrub rather than a tree (Junker Nursery 2023).

Cornus kousa 'Snow Flurry' before the flowers open. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus kousa 'Snow Flurry' before the flowers open. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Snow Tower'

A narrow, upright selection with ovate, white bracts, flowering in June and July, selected by Gary Handy, Oregon; the columnar habit suggets its potential as a street tree (Pleasant Run Nursery 2026, Handy Nursery 2026). (Moreau et al. (2024) recovered ‘Snow Tower’ within subsp. chinensis, though the near-identity of their genetic sample with ‘Greensleeves’ suggests the sample may not have been as described.)

'Snowbird'

Diminutive in all characters yet elegant: small leaves and bracts, compact (not really exceeding 3 m in height) and slow-growing, ideal for smaller gardens; selected by Polly Hill (Cappiello & Shadow 2005; Junker Nursery 2023).

Cornus kousa 'Snowbird' is a Polly Hill selection. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Snowboy'

One of the most attractive variegated selections, though described as ‘fussy’, with a dislike of exposed sites (Junker Nursery 2023); shade is essential at lower latitudes. Selected and introduced by Sakata Nursery, Yokohama, Japan (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). The leaves – white with a central green blaze– are highly distinctive, the 50:50 white/green ratio giving the foliage spectacular effect. Moreau et al. (2024) recovered this selection as belonging to subsp. kousa, without admixture of subsp. chinensis.

The leaves of Cornus kousa 'Snowboy' have a distinctively high proportion of white surface (Acc. 86257, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 16 June 2006). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Like a diminutive, less disciplined version of the variegated alternate-leaved dogwoods, Cornus kousa 'Snowboy' can be exceptionally effective placed in a shady border (Acc. 86257, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 24 June 2025). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Reversion is a known problem with Cornus kousa 'Snowboy' (Acc. 86257, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 24 June 2025). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Cornus kousa 'Snowboy' is one of the most attractive variegated selections, though described as 'fussy' (Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 12 May 2017). Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Striking foliage of Cornus kousa 'Snowboy' growing well at Ness Botanic Gardens, UK (30 June 2024). Image Jack Aldridge.

'Snowflake'

Graceful of habit, ‘Snowflake’ has large bracts with a wavy edge, one of Karan Junker’s favourite cultivars (Junker Nursery 2023); recovered by Moreau et al. (2024) as a cultivar of subsp. chinensis.

Cornus kousa 'Snowflake' before the flowers open. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus kousa 'Snowflake' before the flowers open. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Snowflake'

Flowers borne above the foliage, like a layer of snow, and good autumn colour in gold and orange (Junker Nursery 2023).

Upwardly curving young involucres of Cornus kousa 'Snowflake'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

An attractive white covering on Cornus kousa 'Snowflake'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Elegantly shaped bracts of Cornus kousa 'Snowflake'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Snowy Peak'

Vase-shaped in habit, spectacular in flower, with white bracts. A seedling selection by Leonard Folz while working at Running Horse Nursery, Canby, Oregon in the late 1980s, introduced by his own Dancing Oaks Nursery, Monmouth, Oregon; named after Snow Peak in the Oregon Cascades (Dancing Oaks Nursery 2026). Moreau et al. (2024) recovered ‘Snowy Peak’ as a cultivar of subsp. chinensis.

'Southern Cross'

A New Zealand selection, shrubby with creamy white bracts and good autumn colour (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

Bracts and foliage of Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Autumnal colour on Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Speciosa'

An early C. kousa selection (J. Blaauw, Netherlands, 1952) with broad white bracts (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

Cornus kousa 'Speciosa' in autumn plumage, showing the classical kousa habit: ascending central branches with plagiotropic lateral branches (Acc. 92482, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 2 November 2010). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Embossed vein axils indicating the presence of abaxial domatia on the foliage of Cornus kousa 'Speciosa' (Acc. 92482, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 12 June 2009). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

'Spinners'

Prolific and vigorous, with long pointed bracts and the fruit attractively displayed (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Square Dance'

Broad, overlapping, white bracts with tapering apices; introduced by Polly Hill, Massachusetts (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). Some material grown under this name (e.g. at the US National Arboretum) is not in fact this cultivar (Moreau et al. 2024).

Cornus kousa 'Square Dance' just after the flowers have faded. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus kousa 'Square Dance' as the involucres begin to dry up. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Steeple'

Upright habit, glossy deep-green leaves, and good colour; the broad but barely overlapping bracts are tapered at the apices. Selected by Polly Hill, Massachusetts (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Steffen'

Broad, round white bracts, held slightly reflexed; rich green leaves.

Slightly reflexed, white involucres of Cornus kousa 'Steffen' (Acc. 01291, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 4 June 2015). Image Koen Camelbeke, Arboretum Wespelaar.

A dense covering of inflorescences on Cornus kousa 'Steffen' (Acc. 01291, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 4 June 2015).= Image Koen Camelbeke, Arboretum Wespelaar.

'Summer Fun'

A striking variegated selection, the leaves green with an irregular cream margin, flushed pink in autumn, discovered as a branch sport by Talon Buchholz, Oregon (Buchholz 2019, Heritage Seedlings 2020). The weaker-growing ‘Summer Games’ is extremely similar, but is not the same plant.

Like many variegated forms of Cornus kousa, in 'Summer Fun' the young bracts – which are modified leaves – exhibit a comparable pattern of variegation to the leaves, before whitening as they mature. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

Crisply variegated new foliage on Cornus kousa 'Summer Fun' (Gresgarth Hall, Lancashire, May 2022). Image John Grimshaw.

'Summer Games'

Variegated cream and green leaves; a weak grower; selected by Wayne Mezitt, Weston Nurseries, Massachusetts (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). Moreau et al. (2024) recovered this selection as belonging to subsp. kousa, without admixture of subsp. chinensis.

'Summer Gold'

Leaves olive green with a wide golden yellow margin which turns pink in autumn, the bracts white, sharply acute (Hatch 2018–2020). One of the best yellow variegated C. kousa cultivars (Dirr & Warren 2019). A seedling discovered in 2002 by Crispin Silva, Molalla, Oregon, patent filed in 2010 (US PP22765 P2).

'Summer Majesty'

Prolific in flower, with a broad open habit that becomes layered with maturity; the bracts are white (initially pink). Selected by Mitsch Nursery, Aurora, Oregon (Cappiello & Shadow 2005; Junker Nursery 2023).

Cornus kousa 'Summer Majesty'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Summer Stars'

Upright in habit, with long-lasting white involucres that coincide briefly with the fruits; discovered as a seedling by Peter Costitch, Center Moriches, New York, who patented it in 1973 (US PP03090 P; Cappiello & Shadow 2005). Moreau et al. (2024) recovered this cultivar as straight C. kousa subsp. kousa, without admixture of subsp. chinensis.

Inflorescences of Cornus kousa 'Summer Stars' Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Spectacular red peduncles supporting the fruits of Cornus kousa 'Summer Stars' (Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France; 8 August 2015). Image James Garnett.

Autumnal foliage of Cornus kousa 'Summer Stars' (Arboretum Cimetière Parc, Nantes, France; 10 November 2014). Image James Garnett.

The bark of Cornus kousa 'Summer Stars', like the type, tends to develop this peeling, patchwork pattern, which adds a lot of interest to this shrub, especially in winter. Arnold Arboretum (Acc number 687–84-A), Boston, US. 1 October 2009. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Cornus kousa 'Summer Stars' was discovered as a seedling by Peter Costitch, Center Moriches, New York, who patented it in 1973. Arnold Arboretum (Acc number 687–84-A), Boston, US. 1 October 2009. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

'Sunsplash'

A shrubby, slow-growing, variegated selection introduced by Gary Handy, Oregon. Leaves green with an irregular, golden edge turning red, yellow and orange in autumn. (Cappiello & Shadow 2005)

'Temple Jewel'

Mid-green leaves with an irregular fresh green (initially yellow) blotch, and white bracts sometimes edged in pale green; selected from a batch of seedlings of Milky Way Group parentage by Tim Brotzman of Brotzman’s Nursery, Madison, Ohio (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

Cornus kousa 'Temple Jewel'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Detail of the variegation of Cornus kousa 'Temple Jewel'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus kousa 'Temple Jewel'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'Teresa'

Large cream-white involucres, the mid-green leaves delicately variegated with a narrow silver margin; to 2.5 m tall after 10 years (Esveld 2026).

Cornus kousa 'Teresa'. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

The variegation on the leaves of Cornus kousa 'Teresa' is tastefully unobtrusive. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

'Teutonia'

A selection with large, overlapping white bracts that turn pink as they age. It flowers very late in the season and has impressive autumn foliage in shades of red. Introduced by Piet Vergeldt, Netherlands from material raised by Johann Wieting, the principal dogwood specialist in Germany (Gayraud 2013).

Cornus kousa 'Teutonia' at the perfect moment, just before the flowers open. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Exquisitely coloured young involucres of Cornus kousa 'Teutonia'. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

A bough of developing involucres of Cornus kousa 'Teutonia'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

A young specimen of Cornus kousa 'Teutonia'. Image Jack Aldridge.

Cornus kousa 'Teutonia' Image Jack Aldridge.

Cornus kousa 'Teutonia' is a selection with large, overlapping white bracts that turn pink as they age, here pictured on an old plant at Kreftenbroeck Arboretum, Rhode-Saint-Genèse in Belgium. 1 June 2020. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Close-up on the white overlapping bracts of Cornus kousa 'Teutonia'. Kreftenbroeck Arboretum, Rhode-Saint-Genèse in Belgium. 1 June 2020. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Fruits of Cornus kousa 'Teutonia'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Close-up on the edible fruit of Cornus kousa 'Teutonia', which has a sweet, slightly bitter and creamy flavour. Nursery Les Jardins Idée-Ô, Haut-Ittre, Belgium. 11 September 2021. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Cornus kousa 'Teutonia' flowers very late in the season and has impressive autumn foliage in shades of red. Nursery Les Jardins Idée-Ô, Haut-Ittre, Belgium. 11 September 2021. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Close-up on the attractive autumn foliage of Cornus kousa 'Teutonia'. Nursery Les Jardins Idée-Ô, Haut-Ittre, Belgium. 11 September 2021. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Close-up on the attractive pink leave of Cornus kousa 'Teutonia'. Nursery Les Jardins Idée-Ô, Haut-Ittre, Belgium. 11 September 2021. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

'Ticknor's Choice'

Bracts initially green becoming white, then (unusually) green again; selected by Robert Ticknor, North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Aurora, Oregon (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). Moreau et al. (2024) recovered this as a cultivar of subsp. chinensis, but their genetic sample proved identical to material labelled ‘Emerald Star’, so the identify of the material is uncertain.

'Tom Wood'

Variegated deep-green, white-margined leaves with broad white, scarcely-overlapping bracts (Pépinière Le Try 2025).

Cornus kousa 'Tom Wood'. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

'Tri-Splendor'

A very distinctive selection with variegated young bracts as well as variegated leaves. The green leaves have a rather broad irregular white and/or yellow margin – a lesser proportion of green in the leaf than in some other cultivars (e.g. ‘Wolf Eyes’) – becoming wholly green as the season progresses. The young bracts are pale green, with irregular white margins, becoming white (Jardins du Florilège 2026) Discovered as a seedling at a nursery in Molalla, Oregon in 2000 (US PP20008 P2). Moreau et al. (2024) recovered ‘Tri-Splendor’ as a cultivar of subsp. chinensis.

Both the bracts and leaves show comparable variegation in Cornus kousa 'Tri-Splendor'. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

'Trinity Star'

Selected at Handy Nursery, Oregon for its unusual pink-and-white-tinted young foliage, which later fades to green (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). This cultivar makes a compact small tree with a tidy habit (Junker’s Nursery 2021). The large bracts are a good white. Recovered by Moreau et al. (2024) as a cultivar of subsp. chinensis.

'Triple Crown'

This cultivar originates from seed collected by Polly Wakefield from an exceptionally heavy-flowering and large-fruited tree of uncertain parentage at the Arnold Arboretum, hardy to at least –29°C; patented in 1973 (US PP 3387). Moreau et al. (2024) recovered ‘Triple Crown’ within subsp. chinensis, closely related to a Joseph Hers collection (13202*A) growing at the Arboretum, the only cultivar in a discrete clade made up of wild-collected Chinese material distributed throughout North American collections. Trees flower heavily, with what Cappiello and Shadow (2005) describe as ‘small bouquets of flowers clustered at the ends of the branches’. The specimen grown at the Smithsonian Gardens has a greenish involucre, with four bracts (Smithsonian Gardens 2026).

'Tsukubanomine'

A dwarfing Japanese cultivar, shrubby in habit with pointed white bracts and slender peduncles, flowering prolifically; introduced after 1978 by Nobuo Yamashita, Hisao Ishikawa and Toshihiro Hagiwara from a wild collection near Numata, Honshu (Hishikawa, Hagiwara & Yamashita 1996; Cappiello & Shadow 2005; Pépinière Les Avettes 2026).

Cornus kousa 'Tsukubanomine' at peak flowering. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus kousa 'Tsukubanomine' as the involucres fade. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus kousa 'Tsukubanomine' is one of the most distinctive cultivars, with its narrow, elegant bracts (RHS Garden Wisley, UK; 7 June 2024). Image Jack Aldridge.

Cornus kousa 'Tsukubanomine' at RHS Garden Wisley, UK (7 June 2024). Image Jack Aldridge.

Cornus kousa 'Tsukubanomine' at RHS Garden Wisley, UK (7 June 2024). Image Jack Aldridge.

Cornus kousa 'Tsukubanomine' at RHS Garden Wisley, UK (7 June 2024). Image Jack Aldridge.

'Twinkle'

This name was validated by Santamour & McArdle (1985) for a pluribracteate (6–9-bracted) plant patented by Polly Wakefield in 1973 (US PP03386 P). The plant described by Wakefield was upright and compact, hardy to –29°C, with dark green foliage turning wine red in autumn, and large fruit, the inflorescences double in appearance; it had been selected from seed collected from a large-fruited C. kousa of uncertain origin growing at the Arnold Arboretum (US PP03386 P). It is not known whether the plant has been introduced, but ‘Triple Crown’ appears to have become confused with it.

'Van Ooi Form'

White bracts and deep-green leaves with crimped margins (Pépinière Le Try 2025); presumably originating at the specialist Dutch Cornus nursery Kwekerij van Ooi, Reeuwijk, in what circumstances is unclear. The name is illegitimate.

'Variegata'

Strictly speaking, ‘Variegata’ is the name for George Rogers Hall’s original Japanese introduction to the United States in 1861, Parkman’s Benthamia variegata (Story 1866) – see the species entry. The introduction was shortlived in cultivation, but presumably represented an established Japanese horticultural clone. While it is not impossible that this material may have been reintroduced at some later date, most (and probably all) of the different variegated forms circulating as ‘Variegata’ – including the green-leaved clone with white marginal variegation mentioned by Cappiello and Shadow (2005) – are therefore illegitimately named. The name is in any case largely irrelevant at this stage, as a number of improved variegated named selections are available.

'Victory'

Vigorous, with cup-shaped involucres produced in quantity; selected by Jon Arnow, Fairfield, Connecticut (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Waterfall'

A creeper, rather than weeper (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). Like the other weeping selections, this was recovered by Moreau et al. (2024) as belonging to subsp. kousa, without admixture of subsp. chinensis; the weeping cultivars are closely related, the trait likely deriving from a single source.

'Weaver's Weeping'

Flowers heavily, the small white bracts narrowly pointed, turning pink as they fade (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). One of the stronger weeping forms, though still slow growing and in need of training to establish a clear leader (Junker’s Nursery 2021). Moreau et al. (2024) recovered all of the weeping C. kousa cultivars as belonging to subsp. kousa, without admixture of subsp. chinensis; the cultivars in question are closely related, and the weeping trait likely derives from a single source. Cappiello and Shadow note that ‘Elmwood Weeper’ is similar, possibly identical – we place it in synonymy, though further work is needed to confirm this.

Curiously Echinacea-like reflexed immature involucres on Cornus kousa 'Weaver's Weeping' at Wespelaar Arboretum (Acc. 09644; 27 May 2016). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

The bracts on Cornus kousa 'Weaver's Weeping' beginning to lift into position (Acc. 09644, Wespelaar Arboretum; 21 May 2018). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Reflexed young inflorescences on Cornus kousa 'Weaver's Weeping' at Wespelaar Arboretum (Acc. 93087; 27 May 2016). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Small inflorescences on Cornus kousa 'Weaver's Weeping' at Wespelaar Arboretum (Acc. 09644; 21 May 2018). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

'Weiße Fontäne'

A slow-growing, upright form with arching branches selected by Johann Wieting, Germany (Gayraud 2013; Hatch 2018–2020). Bracts, white produced in large numbers about two weeks later than other cultivars. (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). Van de Laar and De Jong (1995) place ‘Weiße Fontäne’ in synonymy with ‘Schmetterling’, a determination not adopted here.

Cornus kousa 'Weiße Fontäne' at Gresgarth Hall, Lancashire (July 2023). Image John Grimshaw.

Cornus kousa 'Weiße Fontäne'. Image Jack Aldridge.

Cornus kousa 'Weiße Fontäne'. Image Jack Aldridge.

Cornus kousa 'Weiße Fontäne' at Gresgarth Hall, Lancashire (July 2023). Image John Grimshaw.

Cornus kousa 'Weiße Fontäne', initially rather erect, beginning to develop the looser habit that earned it its name (Acc. 96161, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 16 July 2009). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Elegant involucres of Cornus kousa 'Weiße Fontäne' (Acc. 96161, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 16 June 2006). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

'Whirlwind'

Cappiello and Shadow (2005) describe this unlikely-sounding form in which young plants have ‘spirally swept’ branches, but it is not clear that it has ever been available outside the United States – if indeed it is a bona fide cultivar. Material under the name ‘Red Whirlwind’ (with white bracts but red autumn foliage) is offered by a handful of European nurseries (e.g. De Bruyn 2026), but with no mention of helical habit.

'White Dream'

A selection with broad leaves and good autumn colour; large, creamy-white bracts (Gayraud 2013).

Large, cream-coloured bracts and attractive foliage of Cornus kousa 'White Dream'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Attractive habit of Cornus kousa 'White Dream'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus kousa 'White Dream'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Young bracts of Cornus kousa 'White Dream'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Autumnal foliage of Cornus kousa 'White Dream'. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Cornus kousa 'White Dream' in early November (4 November 2019). Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

'White Dusted'

A floriferous Japanese selection with cream-white flecked chartreuse foliage and narrow white bracts; named by M. Yokoi in 1998 (Hatch 2018–2020; Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

Immature involucre of Cornus kousa 'White Dusted' (Acc. 00496, Wespelaar Arboretum, Haacht, Belgium; 5 June 2005). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

'Wieting'

A vigorous selection, introduced by Johann Wieting, Germany for impressive autumn colour in shades of bright red and orange (Cappiello & Shadow 2005). The wide, amply overlapping bracts are white suffused with pale pink at the tips (Hatch 2018–2020; Gayraud 2013). It is frequently misnamed ‘Wieting’s Select’. This cultivar gave rise to the similar but less vigorous ‘Le Try Délicatesse’ introduced by Le Try Nursery, Belgium (Gayraud 2013).

Dazzling autumnal foliage of Cornus kousa 'Wieting' (Acc. 98487, Wespelaar Arboretum, Belgium; 27 October 2015). Image Koen Camelbeke, Arboretum Wespelaar.

Exquisitely pigmented young involucres and peduncles on Cornus kousa 'Wieting' (grown as 'Wieting's Select'). Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Young bracts on Cornus kousa 'Wieting'. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

Distinctive crimson rims on the bracts of Cornus kousa 'Wieting' (Acc. 98487, Wespelaar Arboretum, Belgium; 20 June 2013). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Cornus kousa 'Wieting' in full display. Image Torsten Junker, Junker's Nursery - Gardens and Nursery.

Simultaneous late flowers and fruits on Cornus kousa 'Wieting' at Wespelaar Arboretum (Acc. 98487, 10 October 2024). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Dazzling red autumnal foliage of Cornus kousa 'Wieting' (Acc. 98487, Wespelaar Arboretum, Belgium; 15 November 2006). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

Cornus kousa 'Wieting' holding its leaves into the new year (Acc. 98487, Wespelaar Arboretum, Belgium; 23 January 2013). Image Philippe de Spoelberch.

'Willy Boy'

A variegated selection from the Dutch nurseryman Wil van Ooi, similar to his ‘Laura’, but ‘darker’ in effect (i.e. more green in the leaf); the growing tips recalling Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ (van Ooi 2008).

'Wilton'

Bracts cream-white, long-lasting; rare, introduced by Hoogendorn Nursery, Newport, Rhode Island (Cappiello & Shadow 2005).

'Wisley Queen'

An excellent, now widely available cultivar propagated from one of two excellent specimens that stood near to Weather Hill Cottage at RHS Garden Wisley, UK (on the edge of what is now the Bowes Lyon Rose Garden). It was selected and named by Jim Gardiner for its large overlapping bracts, reliable flowering performance, superior crimson-red autumn colour and heavy fruiting. Its RHS AGM is richly deserved. One of the first grafted trees was planted by Queen Elizabeth II to mark the opening of the Bicentenary Glasshouse at Wisley in 2007 (M. Pottage and J. Gardiner, pers. comm. 2021). The original tree was killed by honey fungus in 2005.

Cornus kousa 'Wisley Queen' flowering usefully late in the season at Gresgarth Hall, Lancashire (July 2023). Image John Grimshaw.

'Wolf Eyes'

A shrubby, variegated selection to approx. 2 m tall and wide, acknowledged as one of the best variegated forms. The leaves are green with a cream-white undulating margin, stylishly complementing the non-overlapping white bracts (Cappiello & Shadow 2005; Hatch 2018–2020). Propagated from a branch sport at Manor View Farm, Maryland. Molecular data indicate that ‘Wolf Eyes’ belongs to subsp. chinensis (Moreau et al. 2024).

Inflorescences and foliage of Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes'. Image Van Ooi, Reeuwijk.

This specimen of Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' was planted to honour Wolfgang Vahsen, who was the manager of Parc Tenbosch, where this photograph was taken, until 2018. Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. 30 May 2025. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Molecular data indicate that Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' belongs to subsp. chinensis. Parc Tenbosch, Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. 30 May 2025. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' is a shrubby, variegated selection to approximately 2 m tall and wide, acknowledged as one of the best variegated forms. Parc Tenbosch, Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. 30 May 2025. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

The leaves of Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' are green with a cream-white undulating margin, stylishly complementing the non-overlapping white bracts. Parc Tenbosch, Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. 30 May 2025. Image Guillaume Mamdy.

'Xanthocarpa'

Yellow-fruited examples of Cornus kousa are represented rather sporadically in European collections, most famously at Solingen Botanic Garden, Germany. Other instances have been reported from Mount Congreve in Co. Waterford, Ireland (Andrews 2012), and the Dutch nursery trade (e.g. Plantentuin Esveld 2013). The yellow-fruited form has never been described at taxonomic rank, and such material is usually described under the cultivar name ‘Xanthocarpa’, which it has been suggested might have originated in Holland prior to 1960 (Howard 1961, Krüssmann 1985). However, it is difficult to determine whether this material represents a single clone, and to judge from what has been observed elsewhere the genus, it would not be unexpected for such colour anomalies to crop up from time to time within C. kousa populations (see the entry for Cornus florida Yellow Fruited Group) – see e.g. ‘Madi-II’, which arose in cultivation in the United States.

A yellow-fruited Cornus kousa in cultivation as 'Xanthocarpa' at Solingen Botanic Garden, Germany (7 October 2010). Image Koen Camelbeke, Arboretum Wespelaar.

'ZuilB1'

An upright, columnar selection (to 4 m tall by only 1 m wide) that flowers profusely in May-June, with large, white oval bracts. Foliage turns scarlet red in autumn (GrootGroenPlus 2025). Selected by by Marinus Van Aart Boomkwekerijen, Netherlands, introduced in 2020 (CPVO 2026). Ideal for small gardens and difficult corners.

Tall and narrow, Cornus kousa 'ZuilB1' Flower Tower is suitable for small gardens. Image Plantipp.

The large, white bracts of Cornus kousa 'ZuilB1' Flower Tower. Image Plantipp.

Cornus kousa 'ZuilB1' Flower Tower covered in blooms. Image Plantipp.

Aptly named, Cornus kousa 'ZuilB1' Flower Tower blooming profusely in a Dutch garden Image Plantipp.