BUNCHBERRY

Cornus canadensis

Bunchberry is certainly one of our best native groundcovers.  It can be found growing naturally in the understory of boreal (northern) forests or in high elevation sites further south.  It rarely reaches more than six inches in height, but is capable of spreading slowly over several square feet of area.  It is relatively exacting in its climatic and soil requirements, preferring acid soils with no small amount of organic matter and filtered light to deep shade.  Bunchberry will not do well in warm areas or droughty sites.  Bunchberry leaves are borne in fours on the tops of its stems, as are its flower “petals’ (actually these are modified bracts).  Even when in fruit it is showy, as the fruits are borne in tight clusters and are bright orange in color.  Fall foliage is generally red before the leaves drop off.  Best adapted to cooler parts of USDA zones 3 to 7. 

 We put this wonderful groundcover in vitro because of frequent complaints of certain production problems: Seeds are cumbersome to germinate and division of established plants can be inconsistent.  Susceptibility to root disease is another possible limitation to division.  We think that you will find these clean, uniform, and vigorous transplants will be a great way to start a fine crop of liners.  We grow bunchberries only in small size paper plugs, and to order:  So please allow 3 to 6 months’ lead time for delivery.