WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants Searchable, categorized images

Bunchberry

Scientific name: Cornus unalaschkensis
Taxonomy
Family:Cornaceae
Type:Groundcovers evergreen
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:2 to 7
Sun:Full shade
Moisture:Wet
Plant Characteristics
Height:1 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:May to August
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Bunchberry is one of the smallest members of the dogwood family. It makes an excellent ground cover in the moist woodland garden, and is equally attractive in flower or fruit.

  Morphology:
Bunchberry is a Northwest native evergreen groundcover, spreading via underground rhizomatous runners. Erect stems grow in extensive low patches, with 1 whorl of leaves at top. Leaves are ¾”-3" long, narrowly ovate, pointed, and have prominent veins which curve into an arc at tips.

The flower structure consists of 4 ovate white or pink bracts. Flower bracts are 1.5” to 4” across and appear from May through August. Flowers give rise to fruit, classified as a spheric drupe. Songbirds enjoy eating the fruit as they mature and turn red.

  Adaptation:
Bunchberry grows all across the northern temperate zone in cool, moist woods and damp openings. It is a native plant in the Pacific Northwest. It does best in full shade.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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