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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'
Cherokee Princess Dogwood
At a Glance
Typetree
Habitupright-spreading
Foliagedeciduous
Height120-300 inches (300-750 cm)
Width120-300 inches (300-750 cm)
Maturity10 years
Overview
Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess' is a white-bracted flowering dogwood, growing 120–300 inches (300–750 cm) tall and wide with horizontal layered branching. White bracts 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) — larger than the standard species bracts at 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) — surround tiny yellow-green true flowers in the center in mid to late spring. The bracts are modified leaves, not true petals. Selected for larger bracts and heavier bract production compared to seedling-grown C. florida. Distinguished from red-bracted cultivars ('Cherokee Chief,' 'Cherokee Brave') by the white bract color. Native to eastern North America. Dark green ovate leaves 3–5 inches (7–13 cm). Red-purple fall foliage. Glossy red berries 0.5 inch (12 mm) in fall, consumed by birds. Horizontal layered branching visible in winter. Dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) has caused significant mortality in native C. florida populations since the 1980s — reduce stress by planting in partial shade with adequate moisture and air circulation. 'Cherokee Princess' does not have the improved anthracnose resistance of 'Cherokee Brave.' Acidic to slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Zones 5–9. Non-toxic. Shallow root system. Dogwood borer attacks stressed trees through bark wounds. Growth rate is moderate — 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per year.
Native Range
The species C. florida is native to eastern North America, from southern Ontario south to Florida and west to eastern Texas.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen or understory tree in zones 5–9, spaced 120–180 inches (300–450 cm) apart. Partial shade. Acidic soil. Non-toxic. Native.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 25'
Width/Spread10' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April–May), lasting 2–3 weeks. White bracts 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) surround tiny yellow-green true flowers. Blooms on old wood. Red berries follow in fall.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White bracts (not true petals)Foliage Description
Dark green, ovateGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade — mimics native understory habitat. Acidic soil pH 5.5–6.5. Keep soil evenly moist — drought stress increases anthracnose susceptibility. Good air circulation. Does not have improved anthracnose resistance (unlike 'Cherokee Brave'). Shallow roots. Non-toxic. Zones 5–9.Pruning
Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late spring after flowering. Minimal pruning needed — the horizontal layered form develops naturally. Avoid bark wounds, which attract dogwood borer.Pruning Schedule
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