Parker's Picks — Bunchberry

Bunchberry (cornus canadensis) is a charming perennial ground cover native to Western New York and part of the dogwood family. Bunchberry typically grows about 4 to 9 inches tall, and will spread out in moist, acidic woodlands and shaded forest areas, where it thrives.

Bunchberry fruit is an important food source for dozens birds and mammals.

Its leaves are glossy green and arranged in groups of four. Bunchberry flowers are more than meets the eye. What appears to be the flower at first glance is actually four white, petal-like bracts. The bracts surround the true flower, a delicate white cluster that blooms from late spring into early summer. The blossoms eventually give way to vibrant red berries by late summer and early fall.

The flowers attract a variety of insects seeking nectar, which plays a vital role in the pollination process.

Wildlife such as American robins, blue jays, woodpeckers, squirrels, chipmunks, and black bear enjoy feasting on bunchberry fruits. These animals play a crucial role in dispersing the plant's seeds along the forest floor.

According to the Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Iroquois utilized bunchberry for its medicinal properties, traditionally crafting a decoction from the entire plant to alleviate coughs and reduce fevers.