Best dogwood cultivars (Cornus)
The genus *Cornus* contains 30--50 species (taxonomic boundaries are disputed) ranging from small shrubs to large trees, mostly from North America and Asia. For ornamental purposes, the relevant species fall into three groups: flowering dogwoods (*Cornus florida*, native; *C. kousa*, Japanese; and.
The genus Cornus contains 30—50 species (taxonomic boundaries are disputed) ranging from small shrubs to large trees, mostly from North America and Asia. For ornamental purposes, the relevant species fall into three groups: flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida, native; C. kousa, Japanese; and their hybrids), shrubby dogwoods grown for stem color (C. sericea, C. stolonifera, C. alba), and cornelian cherry (C. mas).
Per NC State Extension, Cornus florida is the most widely planted ornamental tree native to the eastern US, but it has become highly susceptible to dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) throughout its native range, leading to large-scale die-offs since the 1970s and a shift toward disease-resistant alternatives.
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
Cornus florida is native from Maine to Florida and west to Kansas, hardy in zones 5—9, and produces 4-inch white (or pink to red in cultivars) "flowers" that are actually bracts surrounding a small true flower cluster, per Missouri Botanical Garden. It blooms April—May and reaches 15—25 ft.
Disease note: Per Cornell Cooperative Extension, dogwood anthracnose caused by Discula destructiva has killed millions of wild and cultivated C. florida throughout the East since the 1970s. The fungus is favored by cool, wet springs. In high-humidity, shaded landscapes, mortality can be severe.
Best cultivars (where growing conditions permit):
- 'Cherokee Chief' — deep rose-red bracts; 20 ft; per Clemson HGIC, one of the most vivid red-bracted cultivars; zones 5—8
- 'Cloud 9' — exceptionally heavy white flowering; wide horizontal branching; 15 ft; per Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the best whites
- 'Cherokee Princess' — white; round bracts with slight overlap; 20 ft; per NC State Extension, good disease resistance relative to other C. florida cultivars
- 'Appalachian Spring' — white; per Penn State Extension, selected for anthracnose resistance among C. florida cultivars; zones 5—8; 15—20 ft
- 'Pendula' — weeping form; 10—15 ft; per Missouri Botanical Garden, a specimen accent for sites with adequate dryness and sun
- 'Cherokee Sunset' — pink bracts plus variegated yellow-edged foliage; 15 ft; dual ornamental interest; zones 5—9