---

Description

Description

• Height and Spread: The ‘Cherokee Brave’ Dogwood typically reaches about 15 to 25 feet in height with a spread of 15 to 20 feet at maturity. Its growth habit is upright when young, becoming more rounded with age.
• Leaves: This cultivar features dark green leaves that transition to a vibrant red-purple in the fall, providing excellent autumnal color.
• Flowers: The ‘Cherokee Brave’ is particularly admired for its large, star-shaped flowers. The blooms are a deep pink color with a white center, appearing before the foliage in early spring. This provides a striking contrast against the bare branches and the emerging greenery.
• Fruit: After flowering, it produces red berries (drupes) that are attractive to birds and other wildlife, offering an additional layer of interest in the landscape through late summer and fall.

Habitat and Cultivation

• Native Range and Adaptability: While the species Cornus florida is native to the eastern United States, ‘Cherokee Brave’ is a cultivar selected for its ornamental qualities. It is adaptable to a range of environmental conditions but thrives best in climates similar to its native habitat.
• Soil and Sunlight: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. However, it flourishes and flowers most abundantly in locations with ample sunlight.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Care and Maintenance

• Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed, primarily to remove any dead or diseased wood and to maintain its shape. It is best pruned after flowering to avoid removing potential buds for the next season.

Landscaping Use

• The ‘Cherokee Brave’ Dogwood is an excellent choice for residential and public landscapes alike, offering multi-season interest. It can be used as a specimen tree, in foundation plantings, or as part of mixed borders.
• Its spring blooms, attractive summer foliage, brilliant fall color, and winter interest from the form and berries make it a year-round focal point.