One of the more unusual dogwoods that blooms in May in the DC area is the Kousa Dogwood. It took me a while to identify it as a dogwood the first few times I saw it – since it wasn’t blooming at the same time as the other dogwoods and the blossoms were so different.
© 2012 Patty Hankins
With a little research, I realized that what I was seeing was the Kousa Dogwood. Native originally to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, the Kousa Dogwood is related to Cornus Florida – the more common American Dogwood. One advantage to the Kousa Dogwood is that is resistant to dogwood anthracnose disease, which affects many of the native dogwoods. For this reason, the Kousa Dogwood is being planted more frequently as an ornamental plant these days.
© 2012 Patty Hankins
The blossoms on the Kousa Dogwood bloom after the tree leafs out. They appear to sit above the leave in wonderful patterns that cover the tree.
© 2012 Patty Hankins
Kousa Dogwoods are frequently used in the DC area. I literally photographed these along the side of the road – between the sidewalk and the street.
© 2012 Patty Hankins
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing these bits of beauty from around my neighborhood.
© 2012 Patty Hankins
© 2012 Patty Hankins
I think Dogwoods are just the prettiest flower!!!! Thanks for sharing a different one Patty. I live in Australia and we dont’ often see these lovely trees.
Liz