Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry)

Low-growing herbaceous understory subshrub up to 10 in. tall with small white to pinkish modified leaves functioning as flower petals, blooming May to September. Forms a dense groundcover from extensive rhizomes on a wide range of mineral to highly organic soils in moist coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests and riparian areas, bogs, meadows and thickets; up to 11,000 ft. elevation. Partially circumboreal. Tolerant of full sun to near total shade. May sprout vigorously after wildfire or other disturbance. Important forage for caribou, moose, elk and deer. Fruits are eaten by bears, small mammals and numerous birds. Pollinated by native bees, flies and various insects.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

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INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Cornaceae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Shrub/subshrub/forb/herb

Native Status: Native

Growth Form: Multi-stem

Mature Height: 6-12 in.

Bloom Color: White

Fruit/Seed Color: 

Bloom Period: Late spring

Annual Precipitation:  in.

Drought Tolerance: Low

Shade Tolerance: Tolerant 

Elevation:  ft.

Wetland Indicator Status: FAC

Fire Resistance:

Fire Tolerance:

Nitrogen Fixation:

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: No

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: No

Salinity Tolerance: None

CaCO3 Tolerance: Low

pH Range: 5.5-6.9


SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound:

Seeding Rate:  PLS lbs/acre

Season: Fall/Winter

Days to Germination:


VARIETIES & LOCAL ACCESSIONS

None