Cornus canadensis

Common Names

Bunchberry, Canadian Bunchberry, Creeping Dogwood, Bunchberry Dogwood, Dwarf Dogwood, Quatre-temps, Canadian Dwarf Cornel, Dwarf Cornel, Crackerberry

Summary

Bunchberry, a low-growing creeping groundcover in the dogwood family, forms carpets via underground rhizomes and reaches about 4–8 inches tall. Leaves occur in whorls, and showy inflorescences consist of a tiny greenish cluster surrounded by four large white bracts; blooms May–July, followed by red berries in late summer; foliage may turn burgundy-red in fall; native to cool, moist woodlands of Canada and the northern United States.

Partial to full shade; moist, acidic, well-drained soil with organic matter; avoid alkaline soils and hot, dry conditions; hardy zones 2–8; propagation by rhizome division or seeds; valued as woodland groundcover for shaded landscapes, edgings, and mass plantings; slow-growing and low-maintenance.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-12 inches

Spread

6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-7

Sunlight Requirements

Partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, acidic, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

pH 4–7.5, Acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green, dark green, deep green, deep burgundy-red in fall.

Fall Foliage Color

Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous (can be semi-evergreen in warmer climates)

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies, Attracts other pollinators, Attracts birds