Trees

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'

Cherokee Princess flowering dogwood

Cherokee Princess flowering dogwood photographed by David J. Stang; 0.

Cherokee Princess is a white-bracted flowering dogwood with an upright, oval crown that becomes rounded above. Its generous spring display is followed by slightly glossy green leaves, then vivid red autumn color. The comparatively lifted framework offers space beneath the branches for a compatible understory planting or sheltered seating.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 24 ft · Width: 20 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 6
Bloom: White bracts, spring

Sizes & prices

#7White DogwoodCall for price
#10White Dogwood$179.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen; Understory planting
Major issues: Powdery mildew, anthracnose, canker and borers are possible; individual cultivar resistance varies.
Fruit / litter: Red autumn drupes feed birds; leaves and fruit create seasonal litter.
Growth rate: Species guidance: medium; cultivar and growing conditions may differ.
Form: Upright oval crown, rounding with age.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Deer browse foliage; substantial damage is possible despite some resistance listings.
Drought: Shallow roots need supplemental water in dry periods; mulch to conserve moisture.
Wet soil: Parent-species guidance: Requires drainage; keep shallow roots moist, not waterlogged.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
Caterpillar host: Butterflies
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar/selection of a species native to eastern North America to eastern Mexico. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Tristate native status: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous

Growing & care

Site: Use organic mulch to keep roots cool; afternoon shade helps in hot sites.
Pruning: Preserve the layered branching; remove dead or diseased wood promptly and avoid unnecessary large wounds near the trunk.
Soil: Moist, well-drained; brief dry periods tolerated

Sources & photo credits

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Cherokee Princess flowering dogwood photographed by David J. Stang; resized from the original under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.