Overview
Cornus canadensis is bunchberry (Canadian dwarf cornel), a low spreading deciduous ground cover perennial growing 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide by underground rhizomes. Four white petal-like bracts 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) surrounding a central cluster of tiny yellow-green true flowers — a miniature version of the flowering dogwood (C. florida) bloom structure. Dark green ovate prominently veined leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in whorls of 4-6 at each stem tip. Tight cluster of bright red berries 0.25 inch (6 mm) in August-September — edible but bland. Turns red to burgundy in fall. In Cornaceae. Native to boreal and cool-temperate North America — from Alaska and Greenland south through Canada. Requires cool summer temperatures — does not tolerate sustained heat above 80°F (27°C). This heat intolerance is the primary limitation — fails in zones 7-8 except at high elevations or maritime climates. Requires consistently moist, acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), humus-rich soil. Does not tolerate drought, alkaline soil, or dry conditions. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 2-7. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to boreal and cool-temperate North America — from Alaska and Greenland south through Canada; Pacific Coast south to northern California. Also found in northeastern Asia (Japan, Korea, Siberia).Suggested Uses
Grown as a ground cover in woodland gardens, shaded rock gardens, and along shaded paths in cool climates (zones 2-6). Miniature dogwood flowers at ground level. Red berries. Red fall foliage. Requires cool moist acidic conditions. Not for hot climates. Non-toxic. Zones 2-7.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to early summer (May-June). Four white petal-like bracts 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) surrounding tiny yellow-green true flowers. 3 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. The anthers release pollen explosively in under 0.5 milliseconds. Bright red berry cluster follows in August-September.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Four white petal-like bracts 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) surrounding a central cluster of tiny yellow-green true flowers — miniature version of the flowering dogwood (C. florida) bloom structureFoliage Description
Dark green, ovate, prominently veined, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, in a whorl of 4-6 at each stem tip; turns red to burgundy in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight