Cherokee Chief Dogwood
Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240 inches
Width
300 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Medium, 50-80 years
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Fruit is toxic to humans if ingested in quantity
The Story
Plant Bio
Cornus florida is a small, deciduous flowering tree native to eastern North America, celebrated for its large, showy bracts in spring, horizontal branching, and attractive form. 'Cherokee Chief' is a classic cultivar distinguished by its deep ruby-red to reddish-pink floral bracts. Its new leaves emerge with a reddish tint, maturing to green, and it boasts excellent red-purple fall color.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Ensure soil is acidic, organic, and well-drained.
- Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
- Set the tree in the hole with the root flare at or above soil level.
- Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
- Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.
Pro Tip
Plant high, ensuring the root flare is slightly above the surrounding soil grade, to promote healthy root growth and prevent collar rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone.
- Ensure good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
- Protect the trunk from lawnmowers and string trimmers.
- Conduct a soil test and amend to an acidic pH if necessary.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soils.
- Avoid planting in stressful locations like hot, dry, full-sun sites.
- Don't fertilize a newly planted tree; wait until the second year.
- Avoid heavy pruning, as it can ruin the natural form.
- Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cherokee Chief Dogwood questions
What zones can Cherokee Chief Dogwood grow in?
Cherokee Chief 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 Chief Dogwood deer resistant?
Yes — Cherokee Chief Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cherokee Chief Dogwood bloom?
Cherokee Chief 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 Chief Dogwood need full sun?
Cherokee Chief Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Cornus to compare
Red Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Red Twig'
Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Arctic Fire'
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Midwinter Fire Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree
Cornus controversa
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cherokee Chief Dogwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
