Prized for its unique, rich fuchsia flowers, Cornus kousa Scarlet Fire (Kousa Dogwood) is a small deciduous tree with four seasons of interest. In spring, a profusion of deep pink to fushsia, star-shaped flowers, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), cover the tree, creating a striking floral show. Lasting 6-8 weeks, their non-overlapping and pointed bracts give them a very distinct shape that, along with their striking colour, sets this dogwood apart from other Kousa dogwoods. The blossoms give way to large pinkish-red, strawberry-like fruit in summer, which persist into fall unless devoured by hungry birds. Its canopy of layered branches, clad with ovate, dark green leaves with purple tinges in new growth, provides shade and beauty in summer. In the fall, it offers spectacular bright colour when its foliage turns attractive shades of re and orange. In winter, ifs exfoliating, mottled, tan and gray bark adds interest to the landscape.