Kousa Dogwood – Wolf Eye

Q: This was planted in late June for our new home landscape. Is this a dogwood? Is it normal for the leaves to curl?

A: It’s a ‘Wolf Eye’ kousa dogwood, one of my favorites.

I think the curled leaves reflect how much sunshine it gets. They are flatter in shade…but the tree doesn’t flower as well in shade.

Let me know if it shows any distress other than leaf curl.

I visited a neighborhood example of ‘Wolf Eye’ that also had lots of spots on the leaves…and it seemed to be worse on the sunny side of the tree.

I deduce that this kousa doesn’t like to be in full sun. Consider spraying with garden fungicide….but I don’t think it will be a big problem.