Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ showcases large, flat, pink, four-petalled flowers on its bare branches in the spring. The new growth in spring is a striking bronze-red color. Throughout summer, Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ has deep-green, glossy leaves. During autumn, the leaves turn yellow, scarlet, and wine-colored, creating a stunning display of colors. Due to its exceptional beauty, Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ is an excellent choice for a street tree. Cornus florida is deciduous and native to eastern North America and northern Mexico. Learn more about Cornus florida. Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ was discovered as a chance seedling by Isaac J. Hawkersmith growing at his nursery, Ike Hawkersmith Nursery, near Sweetwater, Tennessee, United States in the early 1950s. In 1958, Isaac was granted a patent (USPP1710P) for Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’.