Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis
Cornaceae · vine groundcover · native
Last updated
Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis, Cornaceae) is a deciduous groundcover native to North America from southern Greenland and Alaska south to Maryland and west to South Dakota, New Mexico, and California. It reaches just 3 to 9 inches tall, spreading via creeping rhizomes. Small greenish-white flowers are surrounded by four showy white bracts, followed by bright scarlet fruit (6 millimeters) that attract birds. Foliage turns red in fall.
Bunchberry grows in part shade on well-drained, acidic soils (pH 5.5 to 6.9) rich in organic matter like peat or pine needles, hardy in Zones 2a to 8b. It requires consistently moist soil, has low drought tolerance, and a minimum of 100 frost-free days. Growth is slow and maintenance is low. It is resistant to rabbit and deer browse. Disease and pest associations mirror those of the Cornus genus broadly, including anthracnose, powdery mildew, and various scale insects. No cultivars are documented.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Bunchberry typically reaches 'flower buds visible' at 1199 GDD₃₂, predicted around Apr 7.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | Pre-season | 'Flower buds visible' | 18 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | Pre-season | 'Flower buds visible' | 28 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | Pre-season | 'Flower buds visible' | 88 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | Pre-season | 'Flower buds visible' | 93 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | Pre-season | 'Flower buds visible' | 98 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | Pre-season | 'Flower buds visible' | 124 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | Pre-season | 'Flower buds visible' | 129 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NEXT | 1199 | '' est. Apr 7 (forecast) |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 1400 | '' est. Apr 17 (forecast) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.