Bunchberry

Botanical Name: Cornus canadensis

Anishanaabe Name: zhaashaagominens

Height: about 10 cm

Season of bloom: Late spring.

Growing Conditions: Light shade. Cool, woodsy acidic soil, moist but well-drained. Creeping roots will form colonies with time.

Wildlife benefits: Red berries in late summer. Edible for humans but bland – a treat for the birds.

From Ottawa Valley or eastern Ontario sources: Yes.

Remarks: Technically a sub-shrub, but we’ll included it in our Wildflowers lists. A very attractive ground cover in shade, but not always easy in urban heat islands.

Similar species: Other native dogwoods are large shrubs.

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More plants for shady places.