How to identify Bunchberry dogwood (Cornus canadensis)

How to identify Bunchberry dogwood (Cornus canadensis)

Bunchberry dogwood, also known as Canadian bunchberry, Canadian dwarf cornel, Quatre-temps, Pudding berries

Bunchberry dogwood is a deciduous ground cover and low-growing shrub. It showcases dark green leaves that span 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length and take on a reddish-purple coloration in autumn. Around late spring, one can observe its distinctive inflorescence: a tiny, greenish cluster of flowers surrounded by four petal-like, white bracts. By late summer, specifically around August, these are succeeded by bright red berries that offer a striking visual contrast against the foliage.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bunchberry dogwood

Distinctive inflorescence: tiny greenish cluster of flowers surrounded by four petal-like white bracts.

Bright red berries in late summer offer striking visual contrast against foliage.

Oval, glossy leaves with prominent vein patterns located near stem tops.

Smooth, slender stems with green to reddish-brown color and minimal branching.

Scentless flowers in late spring to early summer bloom in an umbel arrangement.

Detailed Traits of Bunchberry dogwood

Leaf Features

The leaves of bunchberry dogwood are oval to elliptic and measure 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length. They exhibit a glossy texture and are medium to dark green in color. These leaves are located near the stem tops in false whorls, displaying a lustrous sheen that catches the light. The vein pattern is prominently visible, enhancing the texture of the leaf surface. The leaves of bunchberry dogwood are notably intolerant to foot traffic, requiring careful handling to avoid damage.

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Whorled

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Flower Features

The flowers of bunchberry dogwood feature a central cluster of tiny greenish-yellow flowers arranged in an umbel. These are encircled by four prominent, petal-like white bracts, each bract measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The bracts form an oval shape that is visually striking. Typically, the flowers are scentless and bloom in late spring to early summer, making them a key identifying characteristic of this plant during these seasons.

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Stem Features

The stems of bunchberry dogwood are approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall, slender, and woody at the base. They exhibit a smooth texture and are primarily green to reddish-brown in color. Around the lower regions of the stem, a slightly thicker woody base transitions to a more pliable, green upper section. The stems are unbranched or have minimal branching, creating a single, upright structure ideal for supporting its layers of leaves and floral parts.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of bunchberry dogwood is a bright red drupe that boasts a striking presence. Each fruit measures approximately 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm) in diameter. The skin of the drupe is smooth with a glossy texture, encapsulating a fleshy interior. This berry-like fruit exhibits good persistence on the plant, often remaining attached well into the late fall. It is a valuable food source for birds, which tend to consume it before winter. Although primarily wildlife sustenance, the drupe is also safe and edible for humans.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Bunchberry dogwood and Their Similar Plants

Kousa dogwood vs. Bunchberry dogwood: What's The Difference?

The kousa dogwood is known for its ornamental appeal. The showy flowers and bark, as well as the lovely fall foliage, make this vase-shaped tree a great addition to your patio, yard, or lawn. The tree matures to about 9 m high and is often just as wide.

Flowering dogwood vs. Bunchberry dogwood: What's The Difference?

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small North American tree renowned for its wide canopy and plentiful spring blooms. Individual white or pink “flower” is actually a flower head that contains four oval bracts and a cluster of tiny yellow true flowers. Because of its decorative canopy, prolific spring blooming, and attractive red autumn leaves and berries, it is the most popular native tree in US gardens.

Red osier dogwood vs. Bunchberry dogwood: What's The Difference?

Red osier dogwood is a thicket-forming shrub with attractive dark red winter stems. This plant produces yellow flowers in early summer and fruit late in the fall. Over ninety-eight species of birds rely on this plant for food or shelter. Native Americans used red osier dogwood branches to weave baskets.

Common dogwood vs. Bunchberry dogwood: What's The Difference?

The common dogwood tree contains some of the toughest wood of any tree. As a result, it is said that the cross used to crucify Jesus Christ was built from this. The pollen in the blossoms of this plant attracts butterflies, and the berries attract birds. It is typically planted as an aesthetic plant and is utilized for borders, hedges, or screens.

Cornelian cherry vs. Bunchberry dogwood: What's The Difference?

Cornelian cherry (*Cornus mas*) is a flowering deciduous shrub native to Central Europe, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. While this species' ripe fruit is edible, the unripe fruit has a harsh, astringent taste and should not be consumed. Unlike most other types of wood, the wood from this species is dense enough to sink in water.

Siberian dogwood vs. Bunchberry dogwood: What's The Difference?

Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba) is a perennial flowering shrub best known for its red bark that makes a beautiful display when the tree loses its leaves in winter. It produces small but showy white flowers from spring to summer. Berries appear late summer and ripen in fall. Plant in full sun for best color in moist but well-drained soil.

Roughleaf dogwood vs. Bunchberry dogwood: What's The Difference?

Roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) is a deciduous shrub that’s native to eastern North America. The genus name comes from the Latin word “Cornu,” which means horn. This is because the wood is so dense and strong. The specific epithet “drummondii” is an homage to Thomas Drummond, a Scottish botanist. He spent considerable time in America collecting plant specimens.

Silky dogwood vs. Bunchberry dogwood: What's The Difference?

Silky dogwood (*Cornus amomum*) is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. Underneath the leaves and twigs, you’ll find silky hairs—hence the name. Native Americans referred to it as 'kinnikinnick,' which means 'smoking mixture,' because they smoked it like tobacco. White flowers bloom forth in the spring. They are followed by blue fruit that birds love to snack on.

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Key Facts About Bunchberry dogwood

Attributes of Bunchberry dogwood

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

15 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

White

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Bunchberry dogwood

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Dogwoods, hydrangeas, and allies

Family

Dogwood

Genus

Dogwoods

Species

Bunchberry dogwood (Cornus canadensis)

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Distribution Map of Bunchberry dogwood

Bunchberry dogwood is a plant primarily native to northern temperate forests of North America. It has also established itself in similar climatic regions of northeastern Asia. Beyond its native range, bunchberry dogwood has been introduced and is cultivated in parts of Europe, reflecting its adaptability to varied temperate ecosystems.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Bunchberry dogwood

A Comprehensive Guide to Bunchberry dogwood How to Grow and Care for Bunchberry dogwood