treeN. America Native

Cherokee Brave Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Comco No 1'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruit is mildly toxic to humans if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida is a small, deciduous flowering tree native to eastern North America, celebrated for its showy spring bracts, vibrant fall color, and attractive tiered branching. It is a classic understory tree in woodland settings. 'Comco No 1', sold as Cherokee Brave®, is distinguished by its new foliage emerging burgundy-red, maturing to green, and then turning a brilliant reddish-purple in fall. Its flower bracts are a deep ruby-red with white centers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Cherokee Brave® offers a multi-season display with its deep red spring bracts, burgundy new growth, reliable green summer foliage, brilliant fall color, and red winter berries.

Its small stature makes it an excellent choice for residential landscapes, courtyards, and patios where a larger shade tree would be inappropriate.

The berries are a crucial food source for over 35 species of birds in late fall and winter, and it is a host plant for the Spring Azure butterfly.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Amend soil with organic matter to improve drainage and acidity.
Dig a hole two to three times the root ball width.
Plant with the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 2-3 inch mulch layer.
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first few years.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent air circulation and well-drained, acidic soil to minimize disease pressure, especially anthracnose and powdery mildew.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch annually with acidic material like pine straw or compost.
Water deeply during dry spells, especially in summer.
Prune out dead or diseased wood in late winter.
Monitor for signs of dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or alkaline soils.
Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal disease risk.
Don't fertilize heavily; a light spring application is sufficient.
Avoid mechanical injury to the trunk from mowers or trimmers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning understory specimen treeWoodland garden focal pointFour-season interest for small yards

Companion Plants

Azalea Rhododendron Hosta Ferns Helleborus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cherokee Brave Dogwood questions

What zones can Cherokee Brave Dogwood grow in?

Cherokee Brave Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cherokee Brave Dogwood deer resistant?

Yes — Cherokee Brave Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Cherokee Brave Dogwood bloom?

Cherokee Brave Dogwood typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cherokee Brave Dogwood need full sun?

Cherokee Brave Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.