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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Cornus canadensis

Canadian Bunchberry

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate moisture

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.