Canadian Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis
Also listed as Chamaepericlymenum canadense, Cornella canadensis
Also known as Bunchberry, Bunchberry Dogwood, Dwarf Cornel
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing deciduous groundcover native to northern North America, prized for its delicate white flowers and bright red berries that persist into fall. It thrives in cool, shaded woodland settings and spreads slowly to create attractive ground cover.
Why grow it
Canadian bunchberry offers a low-maintenance groundcover option for cool woodland gardens where many other low-growing plants struggle. Unlike some shade groundcovers that require frequent division or maintenance, bunchberry spreads modestly and integrates well into native plant communities. Its persistent red berries provide fall and winter interest while supporting wildlife, and the distinctive four-petaled flowers offer visual appeal in late spring.
Watch out for
Bunchberry spreads slowly and may take several seasons to establish a dense cover, requiring patience and initial weed management. In warmer climates or exposed sites, plants often decline or fail to thrive, as they are adapted to cool conditions with consistent moisture. Poor drainage or overly wet soils can lead to root issues, particularly in winter.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cornaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern North America
Native to: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A low-growing deciduous groundcover native to northern North America, prized for its delicate white flowers and bright red berries that persist into fall. It thrives in cool, shaded woodland settings and spreads slowly to create attractive ground cover.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Canadian Bunchberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Canadian bunchberry offers a low-maintenance groundcover option for cool woodland gardens where many other low-growing plants struggle. Unlike some shade groundcovers that require frequent division or maintenance, bunchberry spreads modestly and integrates well into native plant communities. Its persistent red berries provide fall and winter interest while supporting wildlife, and the distinctive four-petaled flowers offer visual appeal in late spring.
Watch out for
Bunchberry spreads slowly and may take several seasons to establish a dense cover, requiring patience and initial weed management. In warmer climates or exposed sites, plants often decline or fail to thrive, as they are adapted to cool conditions with consistent moisture. Poor drainage or overly wet soils can lead to root issues, particularly in winter.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cornaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern North America
Native to: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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