Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

Low-growing herbaceous understory subshrub up to 10 in. tall with small white to pinkish modified leaves functioning as flower petals, blooming May to September. Forms a dense groundcover from extensive rhizomes on a wide range of mineral to highly organic soils in moist coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests and riparian areas, bogs, meadows and thickets; up to 11,000 ft. elevation. Partially circumboreal. Tolerant of full sun to near total shade. May sprout vigorously after wildfire or other disturbance. Important forage for caribou, moose, elk and deer. Fruits are eaten by bears, small mammals and numerous birds. Pollinated by native bees, flies and various insects.