BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis
Cornus canadensis is a species of flowering plant in the dogwood family. Common names include Canadian dwarf cornel, and Canadian bunchberry. Unlike its relatives, which are for the most part substantial trees and shrubs, C. canadensis is a slow-growing herbaceous perennial growing 10–20 cm tall, generally forming a carpet-like mat. It is used as ornamental groundcover in gardens. It prefers moist acidic soil.
In late spring to midsummer, white flowers are produced. Its native distribution includes Japan, North Korea, northeastern China (Jilin Province), the Russian Far East, the northern United States, Colorado, New Mexico, Canada and Greenland. Cornus canadensis typically inhabits montane and boreal coniferous forests, where it is found growing along the margins of moist woods, on old tree stumps, in mossy areas, and among other open and moist habitats.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 20 cm, 10"
Hardiness zones: 2-7
Note: These seeds and plants contain poisonous parts. Please keep these seeds and plants in a safe place.
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: As with many hardy perennials, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 5-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period.
Alternatively, these seeds can also be planted outdoors in fall, winter, or early spring, while temperatures are still cold (but ground is workable) to germinate naturally in spring. Be sure to mark the area where you planted them, and that the soil is consistently moist.
