Kousa Dogwood-Cornus kousa

Something to Ponder:

The dogwood tree is known for its flowering beauty in the spring. Its flowers on the edge of a forest or as part of a landscaped yard can be a breathtaking addition to any green space. But look deeper – notice the bark. It has been used for generations to treat pain and fevers. Or the fruit which is a valuable food supply for birds in the autumn and winter. Notice the strength of the tree. Its wood has been praised for its toughness by wood workers across the country. It is easy to look at this tree and consider it of value because of its outward beauty but there is so much more to the story.

Like the dogwood, our “spring beauty” eventually fades. We become less attractive to the world, less marketable, even of less value. Thankfully we have a God that looks beyond our outward appearance and sees our inner value. He sees us through a different set of lenses and calls us “fearfully and wonderfully made”. We can take great joy that despite how the world may describe us, handsome or plain, worthy or worthless, that our Father in heaven sees much deeper and simply calls us His beautiful child.

Fun Facts: 

Dogwood trees are widely known for their delicate beauty, and the Kousa variety adds a toughness that makes this species an excellent choice for home landscapes and urban areas. Cornus kousa makes a visual contribution year-round. In spring, it produces a heavenly array of star-like blooms. In summer, an intriguing canopy of layered branches provide shade and beauty. Autumn offers spectacular bright red color. The spring blossoms white petals aren’t actually petals at all, they are modified leaves called bracts that surround the small, greenish-yellow, insignificant flowers.