Cornus canadensis

Bunchberry / Creeping Dogwood

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The bunchberry dogwood is a low-growing perennial that spreads by rhizomes that creep just under the soil surface. It has one or two whorls of leaves at the top of each stem, topped in late Spring with showy white bracts surrounding a cluster of tiny flowers. The four white "petals" are actually not part of the flower at all, they are white bracts. There is a greenish cluster of flowers in the center of the four white bracts.

In late summer clusters of vivid red berries replace the flowers for a second season of interest. Birds such as Spruce Grouse and Warbling Vireo eat these berries and help to distribute seeds to new locations. Moose are also fond of them, though most people find them bland.

Bunchberry can be found growing throughout the northern half of North America, including most of Canada. It is often found in large colonies in areas of dappled shade or along the woods edge.

Benefits

	Shady Groundcover
	Spring Flowers
	Fall Berries
	Great for cold zones!

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Bunchberry prefers cool, acidic soils and will not tolerate summersoil temperatures above 65º F. Adequate moisture and good drainage are key and Bunchberry will even grow in rocky crevices if rainfall is sufficient. It can also be grown in bog gardens. It is not tolerant of alkaline soils.

Height 6-8 Inches

Spread 2-3 Feet

Native Range Native to woodlands sunny edges and bogs across the northern US and most of Canada Distribution Maps by State and County

Native Trivia Bunchberry has an explosive pollination mechanism whereby a tiny antennae near the tip of a petals trigger the flower buds to bend back and the anthers to spring outward.

USDA Hardiness Zone 2-6

"Berries are an important food for us as we store up energy for winter survival or migration!"

Characteristics & Attributes