bunchberry Cornaceae Cornus canadensis L. 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 Additional Range Information: Cornus canadensis is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting bunchberry. External Links: USDAFS Additional Silvics USDA Plants Database © Copyright 2016, Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, all rights reserved. Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson