Cherokee Chief Dogwood

Cherokee Chief Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’) is a stunning native flowering tree known for its deep rose-red blossoms that brighten the spring landscape. One of the most popular cultivars of the flowering dogwood, Cherokee Chief brings bold color early in the season, blooming with large bracts that appear before the foliage unfurls. This small, deciduous tree grows 15 to 25 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for specimen planting, understory gardens, and foundation landscapes where vibrant spring interest is desired. In addition to its standout spring flowers, Cherokee Chief Dogwood offers multi-season beauty with rich green summer foliage that turns a brilliant crimson in fall. Clusters of red berries appear in late summer, providing a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife. As a native selection, this dogwood supports pollinators and beneficial insects while thriving in partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. It is ideal for woodland edges, mixed borders, or as an ornamental focal point in both residential and commercial landscapes. Cherokee Chief Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9 and grows best in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. Its compact size and elegant, horizontal branching habit make it easy to integrate into smaller yards or layered plantings beneath taller canopy trees. With its brilliant red blooms, wildlife value, and seasonal color, Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ is a beautiful, low-maintenance native tree that brings lasting charm and ecological benefits to your garden year after year.