In horticulture, which tree is recognized for its sweet-smelling flowers and is known as Kousa Dogwood?

Kousa Dogwood is indeed known as Cornus kousa, which is a deciduous tree native to East Asia. This species stands out for its distinctive, four-petaled flowers that bloom in late spring and emit a sweet scent, attracting pollinators. The flowers are often mistaken for those of the native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), but Kousa Dogwood typically has a more extended blooming period and produces edible fruits in the fall that are enjoyed by wildlife and can even be consumed by humans.

This tree is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its resistance to diseases that often afflict other dogwood species, particularly the dogwood anthracnose that affects Cornus florida. Understanding the unique characteristics of Cornus kousa helps horticulturists and landscape designers choose suitable trees for planting in various environments, making it an important plant in horticultural practices.