I'm looking to know the marked differences between Cornus kousa, and the variety chinenses. Is it just the bracts are larger and pure white on chinensis? Thankyou.
Here is a sampling of trees in the Dogwood family ( chinensis) that will outline the main differences or variations from that of the species ( kousa). It really does matter which tree you select: if you are looking for a tree as a specimen plant that is especially true. var. chinensis - The flowers (Vis. 4) are somewhat larger than the species and the tree may be slightly larger. var. chinensis 'Blue Shadow' - Foliage is bluish. var. chinensis 'Galzam' (Galilean TM) - A form with large leaves and bracts. The form is vase-shaped becoming rounded. var. chinensis 'Milky Way' - A (Vis. 5) free flowering cultivar. var. chinensis 'Milky Way Select' - A selection with a profuse and long lasting flower display. var. chinensis 'Propzam' (Prophet TM) - Large clusters of flowers. var. chinensis 'Samzam' (Samaritan TM) - A vigorous form with green and white foliage that turns burgundy and pink in the fall.
Morphological characteristics of cultivated plants not uniformly those of one var. or the other. However Trees grown under the chinensis label show excellent vigor, a bit earlier flowering than the species, large, broad bracts, and excellent fall foliage color. Wilson (1913) indicated that "this Chinese form will probably prove a better plant under cultivation than the Japanese form with which gardeners are familiar." He definitely hit the nail on the head. Many of the better, more vigorous cultivars on the market are selections of var. chinensis. --Cappiello/Shadow, Dogwoods (Timber Press)
