Cornus officinalis, 'Kintoki' Japanese Cornel Dogwood

This selection was made in Japan as a cut flower plant. It sports a dense profusion of brilliant yellow flowers in the very early spring, blooming 2 weeks earlier than Cornus mas. Like cornelian cherries, this tree will also produce edible scarlet red fruit in early fall. Another ornamental characteristic is exfoliating chestnut and grey bark. 

'Kintoki' was introduced into the US by Barry Yinger through Brookside Gardens.

Size at maturity: 10-20' tall and and 10' wide.

Site Selection: Ideally full-sun location, but will also grow and fruit in dappled sun locations. Adaptable to a range or soil types provided the planting location is well drained. Prefers a pH of around 6.5.

Cultivation: Self-fertile trees require little attention once established. Cornus officinalis  can be trained as a small standard tree or as a multi-stemmed shrub. For a mature tree it is only necessary to prune out dead, broken or crossed branches.

Zone hardiness, Pests, & Diseases: Hardy to USDA zone 5-7. Pest and disease free. Birds and critters will compete with humans for the harvest of the fruit. 

Plant size: Grown in 4" x 4" x 9" MT49 tree pot

When we ship: FALL 2026