treeN. America Native

Appalachian Spring Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Appalachian Spring'

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

Moderate

Lifespan

Medium (40-80 years)

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruit is toxic to humans if ingested in quantity

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida is a beloved small deciduous tree native to eastern North America, famous for its showy spring bracts, horizontal branching, and alligator-like bark. It offers multi-season interest with fall color and bright red berries. 'Appalachian Spring' is a celebrated cultivar selected for its exceptional resistance to anthracnose, a fungal disease that has devastated native dogwood populations. It reliably produces large, overlapping, pure white bracts.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides exceptional four-season interest. In spring, it's covered in large white blooms. Summer offers lush green foliage and a pleasing horizontal structure. Fall brings brilliant red-purple foliage and glossy red berries, while winter showcases its textured bark and graceful silhouette.

As a small-stature tree, it is perfectly scaled for residential landscapes, patios, and woodland edges. Its canopy provides dappled shade, creating a favorable microclimate for understory plantings like azaleas and hostas.

The bright red fruits are a vital late-season food source for over 35 species of birds, including robins, cardinals, and waxwings. It also serves as a larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly. Its selection for disease resistance helps preserve the species in the landscape.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, well-drained soil and good air circulation.
Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is slightly above ground level.
Backfill with native soil, avoiding amendments that can impede drainage.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade to promote the best flowering while protecting it from heat stress and disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during dry periods, especially the first few years.
Maintain a consistent layer of mulch over the root zone.
Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches after flowering.
Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves in autumn to reduce disease.

Don't

Do not plant too deeply; this is a primary cause of failure.
Avoid damaging the thin bark with lawnmowers or string trimmers.
Do not over-fertilize; a light application in spring is sufficient.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning understory specimen treeClassic choice for woodland gardensFocal point for spring interest

Companion Plants

Azalea Rhododendron Helleborus orientalis Tiarella cordifolia Cercis canadensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Appalachian Spring Flowering Dogwood questions

What zones can Appalachian Spring Flowering Dogwood grow in?

Appalachian Spring Flowering 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 Appalachian Spring Flowering Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Appalachian Spring Flowering Dogwood bloom?

Appalachian Spring Flowering 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 Appalachian Spring Flowering Dogwood need full sun?

Appalachian Spring Flowering Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.