Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) | Prairie Restorations

Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

Cornus canadensis, commonly known as Bunchberry, is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial that typically reaches 4 to 8 inches in height. It features whorls of glossy, green leaves and produces small, white flowers surrounded by showy white bracts in late spring, followed by clusters of red berries. This species is typically found in cool, moist, acidic soils in forests and bogs. It spreads by rhizomes making dense colonies which are hard to miss! Bunchberry is suitable for woodland gardens, shaded groundcovers, and naturalized areas with acidic soils.

Characteristics

Type	Forb
Sun	Partial Sun, Shade
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Peat
Moisture	Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	12
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	12
Bloom month(s)	May, June, July
Bloom Color or Type	White
Dominance	Medium

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.