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Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief'

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Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief') at Fernwood Garden Center

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood flowers

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief') at Fernwood Garden Center

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood in bloom

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief') at Fernwood Garden Center

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood fruit

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  20 feet

Spread:  25 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  5b

Description:

A desirable ornamental tree which is blanketed in ruby red flowers that fade to white in the centers in spring, attractive tiered habit as well; a picturesque tree that requires rich, well-drained acidic soil and adequate moisture; best pruning Jun-Jul

Ornamental Features

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood features showy clusters of rose flowers with white centers held atop the branches in mid spring. It has attractive yellow-variegated forest green foliage which emerges burgundy in spring. The pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding brick red in the fall. It produces red berries from early to late fall. The warty gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a stunning habit of growth which features almost oriental horizontally-tiered branches. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent

Planting & Growing

Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Accent 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Foliage Color  Fall Color  Plant Form  Bark  Winter Value  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features
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