Bunchberry

photo by Andrew McKinlay CC BY-NC

Bunchberry Dogwood, Dwarf Cornel, Pigeon Berry

Bunchberry are low plants (4-8 in) that usually grow in a thick carpet due to their creeping underground stems. The prominently veined evergreen leaves circle the stem. The small green flowers at the centre of four white petal-like bracts (.5-1 in) develop into a tight cluster of scarlet-red berries in August.

Bunchberry belong to the same plant family as Pacific Dogwoods and have similar leaves and flowers. They are common in shady, cool, moist woodlands, especially coniferous forests.

Did you know? Bunchberry attract butterflies, and the berries are much appreciated by wildlife.

See Also: Bog Rosemary