treeN. America Native

Kay's Appalachian Mist Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Kay'S Appalachian Mist'

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

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Up to 80 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruit is mildly toxic to humans if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida is a classic American understory tree, celebrated for its elegant horizontal branching and the showy bracts that surround its true flowers in spring. 'Kay's Appalachian Mist' is a superior selection of the native species, chosen for its exceptional vigor and, most importantly, its high degree of resistance to powdery mildew, a common disease of flowering dogwoods.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides exceptional four-season interest: stunning white bracts in spring, handsome green foliage in summer, brilliant red-purple fall color, and a beautiful tiered branching structure with red berries in winter.

As a small-stature tree, it is perfectly scaled for residential landscapes, fitting well near patios, in foundation plantings, or at the edge of woodland areas.

A keystone native species, its spring flowers support early pollinators. The high-fat red berries are a critical food source for dozens of species of birds, including robins and cedar waxwings, helping them fuel their fall migration.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps
Water deeply to settle the soil around the roots
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with good air circulation and morning sun with afternoon shade to maximize health and flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a consistent moisture level, especially during dry spells.
Mulch annually with compost or leaf mold to enrich the soil.
Protect the trunk from lawnmowers and string trimmers.
Provide afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or heavy clay soils.
Avoid drought stress, which makes the tree susceptible to borers.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizer, which encourages weak growth.
Avoid major pruning, as it can ruin the natural form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful understory specimen treeStunning focal point for spring interestKey component of a native woodland garden

Companion Plants

Azalea Rhododendron Cercis canadensis Amelanchier Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kay's Appalachian Mist Dogwood questions

What zones can Kay's Appalachian Mist Dogwood grow in?

Kay's Appalachian Mist 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 Kay's Appalachian Mist Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Kay's Appalachian Mist Dogwood bloom?

Kay's Appalachian Mist 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 Kay's Appalachian Mist Dogwood need full sun?

Kay's Appalachian Mist Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.