Bunchberry

Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis

Limited Quantities

A beautiful low-growing native woodland groundcover, Bunchberry spreads slowly by rhizomes to form lush carpets in cool acidic forests and boggy habitats. Its distinctive leaves are arranged in elegant whorl-like clusters, creating a layered texture beneath trees and along woodland edges.

In late spring to early summer, a small cluster of flowers appears surrounded by showy creamy-white bracts, giving the appearance of a single bloom at the tip of each stem. By late summer, bright red berry clusters develop, providing an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

Bunchberry thrives in cool, moist, acidic soils and makes an exceptional native groundcover beneath conifers and in shaded naturalized landscapes. Its delicate appearance combined with its ecological importance makes it a treasured species in woodland gardens.

Growing Conditions

Height: 4–8 in
Spread: Slowly spreading by rhizomes
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, acidic, humus-rich woodland soils
Hardiness: Zone 2–7
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Prefers cool, consistently moist conditions
Excellent beneath evergreen trees and in woodland gardens

Ecological Value

Bright red berries provide food for birds and small mammals
Excellent native groundcover for forest biodiversity
Helps stabilize woodland soils and retain moisture
Supports pollinators during bloom period

Larval Host Plant For
Supports native pollinators and beneficial woodland insects

Companion Species

Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense)
Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
Bluebead Lily (Clintonia borealis)

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

1 Gallon pots