Photo of Cornus canadensis flower, foliage by Rober H. Mohlenbrock

Photo by Rober H. Mohlenbrock

This work has been released into the public domain by its author.

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Cornus canadensis

Also Known As

  • Bunchberry
  • Creeping Dogwood

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

  • H: 6"-8"
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 3a-8b

More Options

Cornus canadensis plant details

Cornus canadensis is a low-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial groundcover with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cornus canadensis

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: cornaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 6 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: clumping, fall color, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cornus canadensis

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A low-growing, clump-forming woodland beauty; showy white ?dogwood? flowers, bright scarlet fruits and red fall color. PSh/M/woodland
The bunchberry is native to our Northwest woods. This groundcover wants to grow in rotting wood or forest duff. The 6 inch plant makes a small scale ground cover with green leaves and white brachts in late spring. Rarely offered. Nice plants in containers.
An excellent native groundcover for part shade and loose humusy soils. Produces lovely white dogwood flowers and red berries. Fall foliage becomes nicely tinted with red and burgundy.
A creeping groundcover with always charming appeal, but sometimes difficult to establish. Delicate white flowers, followed by clusters of red berries and maroon fall leaf color. Plugs such as these help to assure success when they are planted in an acidic, shaded woodland soil.
This Northwoods favorite is known for its trademark set of four beautifully textured leaves with bright red berries suspended above. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) looks great when planted individually or in small groups of 3, 5 or 7. Mix with other low growing flowers and sedges so it can show off its berries in late summer. Requires a well-drained, acid soil with plenty of humus for best results. Not recommended for southern gardens warmer than Zone 5. Hardy to Zones 3 ? 5.
Blooms: spring-summer, white, red fruit/ semievergreen whorled foliage Zone 3-9. 3"-8", PNW, part shade-shade, moist, well drained
A distinctive deciduous groundcover that is native to cool, damp woods in many parts of North America. It bears tiny white dogwood flowers above a set of four small dogwood leaves in spring and summer. The flowers are succeeded by red berries. Purplish-red fall color. Excellent at the feet of acid-loving evergreens such as azaleas and rhododendrons. AGM winner.

Gardening facts about Cornus canadensis plant

How to Grow Cornus canadensis

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
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