Cornus florida 'Cherokee Daybreak'

Cherokee Daybreak

Botanical name: Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Daybreak’

Overview
A striking variegated flowering dogwood valued for its crisp white-edged green foliage and clean white spring bracts. Blooms appear in mid-spring along horizontal branches, creating a bright layered display. Variegated leaves hold their contrast through summer and develop pink to reddish tones in fall, followed by glossy red fruit. ‘Cherokee Daybreak’ offers multi-season interest with refined texture.

Size



Width: 20–25 ft



Height: 20–25 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–9b



Light



Partial shade preferred



Morning sun with afternoon shade ideal



Protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch



Soil



Well-drained soils; prefers moist, organic-rich loam



Slightly acidic pH preferred



Avoid compacted or poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (spring flowers)



Birds (red fall fruit)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



Excellent understory or woodland-edge tree



Allow space for horizontal branching and natural canopy spread



Notes



Shape: Horizontal, layered branching with rounded canopy



Variegated foliage adds brightness even after flowering



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, woodland gardens, and mixed borders



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-25'

Width

20-25'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Horizontal Branching, Upright

Bark

Rough

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No