The Cherokee Chief Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’) is a popular ornamental tree, valued for its striking rose-red blooms and attractive fall foliage. Like all living organisms, these trees can encounter issues impacting their health. Understanding these problems is important for maintaining their vitality.
Pests of Cherokee Chief Dogwood
Several insect pests target Cherokee Chief Dogwood trees, causing visible damage and decline. Identifying symptoms is the first step in addressing an infestation.
The dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula) tunnels into the bark and sapwood. Infested trees may show wilting or dying branches, sloughing bark, and small holes with sawdust-like frass. Larvae feed beneath the bark, disrupting the tree’s vascular system and potentially killing young trees.
Dogwood sawfly larvae (Macremphytus tarsatus) damage leaves, causing a skeletonized or lace-like appearance. Early stages are covered in a white, powdery substance, resembling bird droppings. Severe infestations can defoliate branches or the entire tree, though mature trees tolerate some defoliation.
Scale insects appear as small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves. These sap-sucking pests drain fluids, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and sticky honeydew leading to sooty mold. Heavy infestations can cause leaf drop and branch dieback. Aphids, also sap-sucking, gather on new growth and leaf undersides. Their feeding causes leaves to curl, distort, or yellow, also excreting honeydew leading to sooty mold.
Diseases of Cherokee Chief Dogwood
Cherokee Chief Dogwood trees are susceptible to several diseases, primarily caused by fungal pathogens. Recognizing specific symptoms is helpful for proper diagnosis.
Dogwood anthracnose, caused by Discula destructiva, is a serious disease. Symptoms include large, irregular brown blotches with dark purple margins on leaves and flower bracts. Infection can spread into twigs and branches, causing dieback and cankers (sunken, discolored bark areas).
Powdery mildew, caused by fungi like Erysiphe pulchra, appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on leaves, tender shoots, and sometimes flowers. Infected leaves may show marginal leaf scorch, dead patches, reddish discoloration, or yellowing, and can become distorted or stunted. It is common in dense, shady areas with poor air circulation.
Spot anthracnose, distinct from dogwood anthracnose, is caused by Elsinoe corni. This common fungal disease results in small spots with purple borders on leaves and flower bracts. Numerous spots can cause leaves and bracts to become wrinkled or distorted, though it is less severe than dogwood anthracnose.
Canker diseases affect bark and woody tissues, leading to sunken, discolored areas on branches or the trunk. Cankers can girdle stems, disrupting water and nutrient flow, resulting in dieback of affected branches or portions of the tree. Symptoms may also include premature leaf color change, wilting, or peeling bark near the base.
Environmental Stressors and Growing Issues
Beyond pests and diseases, Cherokee Chief Dogwood trees can experience problems from environmental stressors and improper growing conditions. These non-biological factors influence the tree’s health and susceptibility.
Drought stress is common, especially for newly planted trees or those in full sun, as dogwoods have shallow root systems. Symptoms include wilting, browning leaf edges, and premature leaf drop. Severe or prolonged drought can weaken the tree.
Improper planting depth can impact a dogwood’s health. Planting too deeply can suffocate roots and inhibit establishment; too shallowly exposes root systems to temperature fluctuations and drying. Correct planting ensures the root flare is visible at or just above the soil line.
Soil pH imbalance affects nutrient absorption. Cherokee Chief Dogwood trees prefer acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-6.5). If soil is too alkaline, leaves may yellow (chlorosis), even if nutrients are present.
Sun scald occurs when bark, particularly on the southwest side, is exposed to intense winter sun, causing tissue to break dormancy and freeze, leading to discolored, sunken wounds. Winter injury can also cause branch dieback or overall tree stress due to extreme cold. Nutrient deficiencies, often linked to soil pH, can cause leaf discoloration, such as yellowing from nitrogen deficiency or purpling from phosphorus deficiency.
Preventing and Managing Problems
Maintaining a Cherokee Chief Dogwood’s health involves proactive measures and consistent care. Creating an optimal growing environment is the foundation for a resilient tree.
Proper site selection is important; choose a location with well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade, especially protection from intense afternoon sun. Good air circulation also helps reduce certain diseases.
Correct planting techniques, including digging a wide hole and ensuring the tree is planted at the proper depth with the root flare exposed, promote strong root development. Adequate, consistent watering is important during dry periods to prevent drought stress. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root issues.
Applying a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the tree’s base helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and rot.
Regular, balanced fertilization, based on soil test results, ensures necessary nutrients for vigorous growth. Proper pruning involves removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and maintain the tree’s structure.
Regular inspection for early signs of pests, diseases, or environmental stress allows for timely intervention. Addressing minor issues promptly prevents them from escalating into more serious problems.