WSU Clark County Extension
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Gold Star Dogwood

Scientific name: Cornus kousa ‘Gold Star’
Taxonomy
Family:Cornaceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:20 ft
Width:15 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description This Chinese dogwood is best known for its irregular bright butter-yellow marking in the center of the green leaves.

  Morphology:
This garden tree grows to 20’ in height and 15’ in width, with a vase shape. Besides the yellow markings, the foliage is dark green, glossy and oval in shape. They also have the characteristic droop common to other Kousa dogwood cultivars. They are arranged in an opposite fashion on the red stems. In the fall the yellow centers morph to red, and the edges of the leaves can turn purple.

Flowers form in late May through early June. The flowers themselves are surrounded by 4 characteristic white showy bracts.

In the fall the flowers morph to large round bumpy fruit which hang from the branches. The seeds of the fruit are classified as poisonous to human consumption. The birds however love to feast on them.

  Adaptation:
Sun or semi shade. As with other Chinese dogwood cultivars, Gold Star does best on acidic soil types.

  Pests:
Excellent resistance to dogwood anthracnose.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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