Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

Foliage Type:

leaf

Arrangement:

whorled

Distinguishing features: branches - 2 to 10 inches tall (erect), originate from underground stems leaves - single set of 6 oval-shaped leaves arranged in a whorl leaves - 1 to 3 inches long flower - appears to single, but actually a cluster with 4 petal like bracts fruits - roundish bright red fruits produced from the flowers

Habitats:	mesic sites wet mesic sites
Often confused with:
Ecological Value:	berries are a favorite of the veery, warbling vireo and sharp-tailed grouse
Did You Know?	Bunchberry
Uses / Ethnobotanical uses:	American Indians used leaf tea for aches and pains, kidney and lung ailments, coughs, fevers, and as an eye wash root tea was used for infant colic berries were food for the Ojibwe