Cornus Species, Bunchberry, Crackerberry, Creeping Dogwood, Dwarf Cornel, Pudding Berry
Cornus canadensis
Family: | Cornaceae |
Genus: | Cornus (KOR-nus) (Info) |
Species: | canadensis (ka-na-DEN-sis) (Info) |
Synonym: | Chamaepericlymenum canadensis |

Category:
Groundcovers
Shrubs
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Light Shade
Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Deciduous
Foliage Color:
Height:
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing:
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 2a: to -45.5 °C (-50 °F)
USDA Zone 2b: to -42.7 °C (-45 °F)
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Bloom Color:
White/Near White
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing the rootball
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
Seed Collecting:
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Anchorage, Alaska
Big Delta, Alaska
Delta Junction, Alaska
Dot Lake, Alaska
Dot Lake Village, Alaska
Dry Creek, Alaska
Paxson, Alaska
Merced, California
Dracut, Massachusetts
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Saint Helen, Michigan
West Branch, Michigan
Grand Portage, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Grants Pass, Oregon
Portland, Oregon(2 reports)
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Deer Park, Texas
Ames Lake, Washington
Redmond, Washington
Union Hill-Novelty Hill, Washington
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Neutral | On Jun 24, 2007, macybee from Deer Park, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: My plant seems to be more vine-like, mixed in with the wisteria plant that never blooms. |
Neutral | On Nov 20, 2006, Malus2006 from Coon Rapids, MN (Zone 4a) wrote: I have two patches of Bunchberry in my yard. One was planted this year and another two years ago. The older patches have spread itself thinly among taller plants and appear to be thriving except for their flowers. Last year, misshaped flowers appear. The soil is sandy and is neutral to slightly alkaline. I add acidic fertilizer once in a while. |
Negative | On Jan 11, 2003, lupinelover from Grove City, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: Bunchberry suffers irreparable chlorsis damage in alkaline soil. Alkaline soil MUST be amended before planting, and maintained thereafter. |
Positive | On Aug 19, 2002, Weezingreens from Seward, AK (Zone 3b) wrote: Bunchberry grows along woodland edges in Southcentral Alaska. It is a welcome addition to the rural garden, since it is a ground cover with white flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the summer. |
Neutral | On Aug 16, 2002, smiln32 from Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) wrote: The "berries" are important forage material for wildlife although they taste rather bland to most humans to eat. They can be used in sauces and puddings. This species is one of many being investigated for natural chemotherapeutic compounds with potential for application in cancer treatment. A mild tea made from the roots has been used to treat colic in infants. |