Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry)

Attractive in flower or fruit, Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial forming a carpet of conspicuously veined, oval, glossy leaves, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), borne in whorls atop erect stems. Medium to dark green, the deciduous foliage turns showing wine-red to purple shades in the fall. In late spring to midsummer, a heavenly array of star-like blooms appear. Four narrowly pointed white bracts surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers. The blossoms give way to dense clusters of edible berry-like fruits in late summer, which ripen to bright red and persist into fall unless devoured by hungry birds. Bunchberries can be added to puddings, preserves, and sauces. This dwarf dogwood species spreads by underground stems, making an excellent ground cover in the moist, acidic woodland garden.

• Grows up to 4-9 in. tall (10-22 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade, in moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils.
• Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Great choice as a ground cover for woodland gardens.
• Dogwoods are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases.
• Propagate by seed or division. Sow seeds in the fall or provide cold stratification. Plants will not flower until the third year.
• Native to Eastern Asia, Greenland, and northern North America.