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Description
Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief is a beautiful flowering tree that is native to the southeastern United States. This tree is known for its stunning red flowers that bloom in early spring, which makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. It is also commonly called the Dogwood tree.The Cherokee Chief variety of Cornus Florida is a cultivar that was developed in the early 1990s. It is a hybrid of the Cornus Florida and Cornus Nuttallii trees and is known for its larger flowers and deeper red color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of up to 20 feet and a spread of up to 25 feet. It has a rounded shape and a dense canopy of leaves. The tree’s leaves are oval-shaped and dark green in color. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of red.The tree’s flowers are its most striking feature. They are large and showy, with four deep red bracts that surround a small cluster of yellowish-green flowers. The flowers bloom in early spring before the leaves appear, and they can last for up to six weeks.
Care Guide
Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief is a relatively easy tree to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your tree healthy and thriving:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during dry spells.Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The tree prefers well-draining, acidic soil.Sunlight: The tree does best in partial shade to full sun.Hardiness Zones: Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
- Dogwood borer
- Scale insects
- Anthracnose
- Powdery mildew
To prevent these issues, make sure you keep your tree healthy and stress-free. Regular pruning can also help prevent disease.
Habitat
Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in forests and along stream banks. It prefers moist, acidic soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: When should I prune my Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief?
A: The best time to prune your tree is in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears.
Q: How often should I water my Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief?
A: Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can I grow Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief in a container?
A: While it is possible to grow this tree in a container, it is not recommended. The tree’s root system needs room to spread out, and it may not do well in a small container.
Q: How do I know if my Cornus Florida Cherokee Chief is getting enough sunlight?
A: The tree does best in partial shade to full sun. If the leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be getting too much sun. If the leaves are small and the growth is stunted, it may not be getting enough sun.
Related Plants
Here are some other dogwood trees that you might be interested in:
- Cornus Florida (White Dogwood)
- Cornus Kousa (Kousa Dogwood)
- Cornus Nuttallii (Pacific Dogwood)
- Cornus Mas (Cornelian Cherry Dogwood)
References
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=905
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/cherokee-chief-dogwood.htm
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/tree/dogwood/
