Cornus Cherokee Brave
Best low-maintenance flowering tree for gardeners seeking year-round seasonal color.
The Cornus Cherokee Brave™ Dogwood is celebrated for its beautiful display of purple-red flowers that emerge from large, three-inch bulbs in the spring. This variety handles drought conditions well, making it suitable for drier climates. Its foliage transitions from appealing dark green in summer to rich red hues in colder winter temperatures, offering year-round interest. Reaching a mature size of about 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide, this fast-growing tree thrives in full to partial sun. It prefers soil with good drainage and benefits from consistent watering, providing excellent ornamental value and attracting birds and butterflies.
$32.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
313
/ 1220
#313 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-69%
Below average
Genus
Cornus
/ Cornus
Who it's for
- Homeowners desiring year-round visual interest
- Gardeners seeking high-impact spring color
- Landscapers wanting a fast-establishing focal point
Who should skip it
- People living in humid, low-airflow climates
- Gardeners with dry or alkaline soil conditions
- Impatient gardeners wanting instant mature height
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Visual Impact
Dynamic color shifts provide year-round interest for any landscape.
Drought Resilience
Robust tolerance makes this a reliable choice for drier climates.
Growth Velocity
Fast-growing habit ensures quick establishment and early ornamental payoff.
Pollinator Attraction
Reliably draws birds and butterflies to enhance garden biodiversity.
Maintenance Effort
Simple care requirements make it accessible for novice gardeners.
Bloom Reliability
Consistent flowering performance starting from the very first year.
Key Specs
Genus
Cornus
Species
florida
Variety
'Comco No. 1'
Mature Height
15 Feet
Mature Width
20 Feet
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Item Form
Bareroot, Trade Gallon (3qt)
Features
- Produces large, three-inch purple-red flowers in spring
- Tolerates drought conditions well
- Foliage changes color from green to red seasonally
- Fast growing habit
- Blooms in the first year
- Attracts birds and butterflies
- Award Winner status
- Easy care maintenance
What customers say
Gardeners consistently praise the exceptional aesthetic quality of the Cornus Cherokee Brave, highlighting its stunning, deep ruby red blooms that provide dramatic spring color. Sentiment strongly reflects satisfaction with the plant's vigor and reliability; most customers report successful establishment and rapid growth after planting. While initial size upon delivery occasionally sparks discussion, the tree's impressive performance and striking visual impact confirm its high value as a premium landscape specimen. This dogwood is celebrated for delivering on its promise of bold, beautiful design.
Know before you buy
This tree typically reaches a mature height of 15 feet and a width of 20 feet. Given its fast-growing habit, you should ensure you have enough space in your landscape to accommodate its horizontal spread.
Yes, the Cherokee Brave is known for its ability to bloom in its first year. You can expect to see its signature three-inch purple-red flowers shortly after planting.
While it is more drought-tolerant than many other dogwood varieties, it still performs best with consistent moisture, especially during its first few years of establishment. Once mature, it handles drier spells well, but supplemental watering during extreme heat is recommended.
It thrives in soil that offers good drainage. Avoid planting it in areas where water tends to pool, as dogwoods generally dislike 'wet feet' and prefer well-aerated, fertile soil.
Absolutely. The foliage transitions from a deep, dark green in the summer to rich, vibrant red hues as temperatures drop in the autumn and winter, providing multi-seasonal visual interest.
The Cherokee Brave is hardy in zones 5 through 9. This wide range makes it a versatile choice for many climates, though you should verify your local zone before planting.
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$33