Bunchberry

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-11 Inches

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Bunchberry, or Cornus Canadensis, is stunning perennial dogwood that makes a beautiful, natural groundcover. Creeping rootstock shoots up stems from 6 to 9 inches tall, covered in whorls of vivid green, oval leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. In late spring and early summer the stems support compact bunches of small green flowers surrounded by four oval, snow-white bracts. Clusters of tiny wine-red fruit follow in late summer to early fall. They have a spread of 2 to 3 feet. 

Native to Northern California and Alaska, Bunchberry can be found in the wild under trees and near streams and lakes. It is an important forage plant for local wildlife, specifically deer and moose in Alaska and Western Canada, and its berries attract songbirds who spread Bunchberry seeds. Some people like to eat bunchberries, but others consider them tasteless and dry. 

Bunchberry Care

Bunchberries grow well in moist, shady areas and prefer partial or full shade. They can tolerate a range of light conditions, but may burn in hot afternoon sun. The ideal soil for Bunchberry is acidic, with generous quantities of organic matter. Bunchberries may not flower for 2 to 3 years after they are propagated. They require above average water to thrive. 

Bunchberry Spacing

You should plant your Bunchberries about 1 ft apart and give them lots of room to spread. They are perfect in areas with low-clearance and lots of shade. They look especially stunning in rustic, woodsy gardens, and pair well with rhododendrons, ferns, and lilies. Their native habitat is thickets, swamps, and damp, mixed woods.