Cornus florida 'Appalachian Spring' (Dogwood) Unity Grown

Developed by the University of Tennessee's dogwood breeding program as the first dogwood anthracnose resistant cultivar, Cornus florida 'Appalachian Spring' is an improved cultivar of flowering dogwood, a native, flowering tree species considered to be among the most spectacular flowering trees in United States during the spring. Noted for its slightly compact habit and increased hardiness, the 'Appalachian Spring' cultivar is typically single-stemmed and typically grows to approximately 15-20' tall with a mature, rounded spread of about 15-20'. In spring, 'Appalachian Spring' is covered by a profusion of long-lasting, beautiful white flowers composed of soft modified leaves called bracts; flowers are attractive to a number of pollinators and add a lot of early season appeal.

Though flowers set in early spring before leaves appear, they persist and are followed by dense, attractive green foliage and pretty, bright red fruits in summer which are larger than those of the straight species and which are attractive to a number of bird species. In the fall months, these persistent berries add further aesthetic appeal when autumn foliage turns to beautiful, bright shades of crimson and maroon. 'Appalachian Spring' prefers full sun to partial shade, but may grown best as an understory or forest margin tree in well drained soils or as a specimen tree in partial shade. Additionally, since flowering dogwood can be sensitive to temperature swings, you can provide a 2-4" layer of mulch to help keep the roots cool and moist through hot summers.