Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry) is a native groundcover that blooms with white flowers in June and July across northern states from Maine to Washington. This woodland plant thrives in partial shade and moist soils.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bunchberry as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–8" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, CT, IA, ID and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bunchberry is a low-growing woodland groundcover with distinctive four-petaled white flowers in summer followed by bright red berries. This native plant forms neat carpets under trees and shrubs, offering year-round interest with its whorled leaves that turn red in fall.
Growing Bunchberry
Grow Bunchberry in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 8 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bunchberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare ground
- Very woodland appearance may seem too wild for formal landscapes
- Slow establishment can look sparse initially
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles for pollination. The bright red berries provide food for birds and small mammals in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- When does Bunchberry bloom?
- Bunchberry produces its distinctive white flowers during June and July, followed by bright red berries in late summer.
- What pollinators visit Bunchberry flowers?
- Bunchberry flowers attract bees and beetles, which help pollinate the small clustered blooms surrounded by four white bracts.
- Where is Bunchberry native in the United States?
- Bunchberry is native to northern and mountainous regions across 27 states, from Maine west to Washington and south through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico.
- What growing conditions does Bunchberry prefer?
- Bunchberry thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist, acidic soils. It naturally grows in cool, woodland environments and requires good drainage.
- Is Bunchberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bunchberry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bunchberry HOA-friendly?
- Bunchberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bunchberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz