Western Bunchberry (Cornus unalaschkensis)

Western bunchberry is a stunning perennial groundcover for shady, moist areas, and is showy in both flower and fruit. It is a member of the dogwood family, and like pacific dogwood, what appear to be large white petals are actually bracts, surrounding a tight cluster of small purple-tinged flowers. The flowers are replaced by bunches of bright red berries in late summer to fall, which are edible but not particularly tasty, and are best left to the birds and other wildlife. The attractive whorled leaves turn shades of red and purple in fall, sometimes persisting into the winter for continued visual interest. Western bunchberry can be slow to establish, and does well in the shade of conifers, often growing on or near rotting wood.

Sun Exposure: Shade to part shade
Soil & Moisture: Moist, humus-rich, acidic soil
Mature Size: 6" tall. Spreads by rhizomes. Slow to establish.
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Edible: Yes
Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and other pollinators. Fruits are eaten by birds and mammals.
Native Range & Habitat: Moist forests from low to high elevations. Native to western North America from Alaska, south to California and east to Montana.
Other Names: Alaskan bunchberry