Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis (KOR-nus ka-na-DEN-sis)
Bunchberry is a low-growing, deciduous, shrubby groundcover with leaves and flowers similar to the familiar flowering dogwood ( Cornus florida ) tree but smaller. Native to mixed forests in Canada and the northern US, and in the Appalachians south to Virginia, it grows from spreading rhizomes. It is a member of the dogwood family (Cornaceae). The species epithet, canadensis , references the native habitat of Canada, where it was first described. The best performance is in cool to cold climates in the shade of trees and shrubs. Plants generally do not perform well in the hot summer conditions found in the central to southern parts of the U.S. south of USDA Zone 6. Bunchberry spreads by underground rhizomes. The leaves are opposite, and the flower clusters are surrounded by four large, showy, white bracts, just as they are in the flowering dogwood ( Cornus florida ). The flowers are followed by bright red berries in late summer that persist into fall. It is suitable for a woodland garden. Intolerant of foot traffic. They can be difficult to establish. They may be propagated by seeds, creeping rhizomes, or stem cuttings. Quick ID HInts: deciduous ground cover and low-growing shrub dark green leaves, 1 to 2 inches long, reddish-purple fall color tiny greenish-umbel surrounded four white bracts appear in late spring bright red berries ripen in August Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Leaf miner and scale are less serious potential insect pests. When stressed, is susceptible to a large number of disease problems, the most serious is dogwood anthracnose. Other diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot, and leaf & twig blight. It can also become vulnerable to borers. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases. More information on Cornus .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 66 attributes.
How it fits the guild