Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Cornus canadensis
Canadian Bunchberry
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Height
- 4 to 8 in
- Width
- 12 to 18 in (spreads to form a groundcover)
- Flower color
- White “petals” (bracts) surrounding a cluster of tiny greenish-white true flowers
- Foliage color
- Bright to medium green, elliptic leaves arranged in whorls, turning red to bronze in fall in cooler climates
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Moderate moisture
- Maintenance
- Low; minimal pruning needed, remove old foliage in early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 2 to 7
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; birds eat the bright red ornamental berries later in the season
About this plant
Cornus canadensis forms a low, spreading mat of slender stems topped with whorls of deep green leaves that often develop reddish tones as seasons change. In late spring, small greenish flowers are surrounded by four white petal-like bracts, creating a clean, star-shaped display above the foliage.
Blooming in late spring to early summer, this species is native to cool woodlands of northern North America. It works well as a groundcover in shaded gardens, woodland paths, and beneath shrubs, later producing bright red berries that extend ornamental interest into summer. The plant spreads gently and supports pollinators while creating a cohesive carpet effect.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Borders · Native Gardens
Companion plants
Ferns · Trilliums · Hostas · Siberian buglosses · Hellebores · Toad lilies
Design tip
Use this native groundcover to connect scattered woodland perennials into a unified planting beneath trees and shrubs. The continuous carpet creates visual harmony while allowing seasonal flowers and ornamental foliage to emerge naturally without leaving distracting gaps between plants.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at PowellsWood Garden.
