Jean's Appalachian Snow Dogwood

Appalachian Snow Dogwood (Cornus florida 'Jean's Appalachian Snow')

When you need a dogwood that laughs in the face of powdery mildew while delivering a floral display big enough to stop traffic, Jean's Appalachian Snow has entered the chat. This cultivar features massive white bracts—we're talking 4 to 5 inches across—that overlap like carefully shuffled playing cards to create one of the most substantial blooms in the dogwood world. The bracts emerge in April and May before the leaves, transforming bare branches into clouds of brilliant white that announce spring's arrival with undeniable authority.

The show doesn't stop after the blooms fade. Jean's Appalachian Snow produces glossy, rich green foliage throughout the growing season, maintaining that classic dogwood elegance from a tree that typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in both height and width at maturity. Come autumn, the leaves transition to vibrant red tones, followed by clusters of bright scarlet drupes that persist into winter—each fruit a beacon for hungry wildlife navigating the lean months.

The true superpower of Jean's Appalachian Snow lies in its exceptional disease resistance. This cultivar exhibits superior resistance to powdery mildew compared to any other white flowering dogwood—a bold claim backed by rigorous university testing. For gardeners who have watched beloved dogwoods succumb to fungal diseases, this represents nothing short of redemption. The combination of disease resistance and strong growth habit makes it suitable for a variety of landscape settings: as a specimen tree near patios and walkways, in woodland gardens where it can naturalize among larger canopy trees, or planted in groups for dramatic spring impact. And unlike some disease-resistant cultivars that compromise on bloom quality, Jean's Appalachian Snow delivers both resilience and beauty, producing abundant flowers even on young trees.

The spring flowers attract bees, along with beetles and butterflies that serve as early-season pollinators. Come fall, the bright red drupes become a wildlife magnet. Research documented in the USDA Forest Service Fire Effects Information System indicates that at least 75 animal species consume dogwood berries, including 60 bird species. Mammals including eastern chipmunks, cottontails, gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and even foxes and skunks also consume the fruit. 

Jean's Appalachian Snow performs best in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0-7.0) with good drainage. In its native range, it thrives in partial shade with morning sun and afternoon protection, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Maintain a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch to keep roots cool and moist during summer heat. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. While its disease resistance is exceptional, avoid mechanical damage to the trunk and roots from lawn equipment, as injuries can compromise the tree's natural defenses.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.