Description
Scientific Name: Cornus canadensis
Carpet your shaded ground with Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), a low-growing native groundcover found in forests across British Columbia. Its crisp white flowers and bright red berries make it one of the most charming plants of the forest floor.
Bunchberry is well adapted to the cool, moist, acidic soils of Interior BC forests. Its whorled leaves, showy bracts, and clusters of edible red berries make it a lovely choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and understory restoration.
Growing naturally in moist coniferous forests and shaded slopes, this spreading groundcover knits the forest floor together while providing food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
Features
- Native to British Columbia and much of Canada
- Showy white flower bracts in spring
- Bright red edible berries in late summer
- Low, spreading forest groundcover
- Attractive whorled foliage with fall colour
- Supports pollinators and birds
- Ideal for shaded understory restoration
Growing Information
Mature Height: 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)
Spread: 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16 in)
Light Requirements: Partial shade to shade
Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, acidic soils
Moisture Requirements: Moderate to high
Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7
Ecological Benefits
Bunchberry provides nectar for pollinators and berries for birds and small mammals, while its spreading mat stabilizes the forest floor and retains moisture. Its flowers are famous for an explosive pollen-release mechanism triggered by visiting insects. This groundcover adds diversity to shaded plantings and supports understory and forest restoration. Please note: three closely similar bunchberry species occur in BC (C. canadensis, C. suecica, and C. unalaschkensis) and they can be difficult to tell apart. Interior stock is generally C. canadensis.
Please note: As a native plant, size and appearance may vary depending on the season and stage of growth.
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