Forbs of Treehaven

Bunchberry Cornus canadensis

  bunchberry bunchberry bunchberry  

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

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 Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001. This page was created by H. Knodle, M. Luthin, D. Jakes, P. Vandersteen & R. Lundquist.

 Last updated on September 30, 2002.

 Please send any suggestions or corrections to H. Knodle