Cornus kousa var. chinensis ‘Milky Way’

A broad, bushy tree that is particularly noted for its abundant flowers and showy fruit. It typically matures to 20′ tall and as wide. Flower bracts are creamy white and bloom in profusion in June. Red berries mature in summer. Berries are exceptionally large and are edible (inner custard-like consistency) off the plant. Birds also love the fruit. Fruits persist on the plants into fall past the point of foliage drop. Oval, pointed, dark green leaves (to 4″ long) turn orange-red to scarlet in autumn. Mottled, exfoliating, tan and gray bark is attractive in winter. Cultivar name suggests that the profuse bloom of flowers each year is suggestive of the billions of stars in the Milky Way.  (Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder)