Cornus Cherokee Brave Dogwood Tree
Best ornamental tree for vibrant garden aesthetics and easy establishment.
The Cherokee Brave Dogwood, *Cornus florida*, is a highly ornamental and rugged native cultivar celebrated for its beauty and low maintenance. In spring, it produces large, striking red flower bracts that fade to a streaky pink towards the center. These blooms give way to berries that are a favorite food source for songbirds. Its green leaves transform into a brilliant scarlet in the fall, adding seasonal color. This tree is also a host plant for the Blue Azure butterfly and has been recognized as a Plant of Merit by the Missouri Botanical Gardens for its landscape value.
$169.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
542
/ 1377
#542 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
+59%
Above average
Botanical Name
Cornus florida Cherokee Brave
/ Cornus florida Cherokee Brave
Who it's for
- Homeowners seeking a striking ornamental tree for their landscape.
- Gardeners desiring a hardy, long-lived flowering tree with less fuss.
- Landscape designers looking for a versatile, medium-sized accent tree.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with challenging soil conditions or full sun exposure.
- Those unprepared for occasional plant health monitoring and intervention.
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate large-scale landscape impact.
Performance breakdown
Ornamental Impact
Striking red bracts provide unmatched seasonal visual drama for any landscape.
Wildlife Support
Serves as a vital host plant and essential food source for birds.
Maintenance Ease
Rugged cultivar requires minimal intervention once established in the right soil.
Seasonal Versatility
Delivers consistent interest from spring blooms through brilliant autumn foliage.
Disease Resistance
Robust breeding offers superior protection against common dogwood health issues.
Landscape Adaptability
Thrives in part shade but demands specific acidic, well-drained soil conditions.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Cornus florida Cherokee Brave
Common Name
Dogwood
Bloom Color
Pink, Red
Bloom Time
Spring
Foliage Color
Green
Light Requirements
Part Shade
Height
15-30'
Width
25-30'
Features
- Striking red and pink spring flowers
- Berries attract songbirds
- Brilliant scarlet fall color
- Host plant for Blue Azure butterfly
- Missouri Botanical Gardens Plant of Merit
- Low maintenance and rugged
- Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil
- Suitable for part shade conditions
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of these dogwood trees upon arrival, noting their robust health and careful packaging. Many highlight the ease with which the trees establish and thrive in various garden settings, quickly developing into beautiful specimens. The vibrant, deep pink to red blooms are a frequent point of admiration, contributing significantly to garden aesthetics. Gardeners appreciate the vigorous growth and overall resilience, finding the trees to be a rewarding and long lasting addition to their landscapes. This strong performance underscores a high level of satisfaction regarding the plant's inherent quality and its ability to flourish.
Know before you buy
This tree performs best in part shade. While it can tolerate some sun, protecting it from the harsh afternoon heat helps maintain its foliage health and bloom quality.
Yes, it prefers acidic, moist, and well-drained soil. If your native soil is highly alkaline or tends to stay waterlogged, you may need to amend the planting site to ensure the tree remains healthy.
The Cherokee Brave typically reaches a height of 15 to 30 feet and a width of 25 to 30 feet. Be sure to plant it far enough away from structures or other trees to accommodate its mature canopy spread.
Yes, it is considered a rugged cultivar and is recognized as a Plant of Merit for its reliability and disease resistance. Once established, it requires only average watering and minimal care to maintain its form.
Absolutely. Beyond its striking red and pink spring flowers, it offers green summer foliage that turns a brilliant scarlet in the fall. Additionally, the berries produced after flowering provide a valuable food source for local songbirds.
Yes, the Cherokee Brave is a host plant for the Blue Azure butterfly. By planting this tree, you are actively supporting local biodiversity while enjoying its ornamental landscape value.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$170