Virginia Tech Dendrology

bunchberry Cornaceae Cornus canadensis L. Listen to the Latin symbol: COCA13
Leaf: Opposite (almost appearing whorled in a group of 4 to 6), simple, 2 to 3 inches long, (leaves lower on the stem much smaller and almost scale-like) arcuately veined, entire margin, dark green above, paler below, very short petiole.
Flower: Species is monoecious; very small, white, surrounded by 4 large, white petal-like bracts, similar to flowering dogwood but smaller, appearing in late spring.
Fruit: Bright red berry in a tight cluster, each 1/3 inch across, terminal clusters occur on a slender stem, ripen in late summer.
Twig: Barely woody except at the base, green.
Form: Very short, 4 to 6 inches tall ending in a cluster of 4 to 6 leaves.
 Looks like: teaberry
leaf flower fruit form1 map
Additional Range Information: Cornus canadensis is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting bunchberry.
External Links: USDAFS FEIS Silvics - USDA Plants Database
All material © 2018 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range maps courtesy USGS from USDA "Atlas of United States Trees" by Elbert L. Little, Jr., Vol. 1 (1971) 3 (1976) 4 (1977) 5 (1978)