Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis
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Cornus canadensis is a species of flowering plant in the Cornaceae (dogwood) family. The bunchberry is in forests across Canada, most parts of the US and in the far north, and it provides food for wildlife and for people. Interestingly, the flower petals spring back the stamens which thrust outward and a hinged strap connecting the stamen to the anther quickly accelerates the pollen to 24,000 m/s2 or about 800 times the force experienced by astronauts during launch. This serves to propel the pollen into the air an astonishing 10 times the height of the flower. This Cornus species is one of many being investigated for natural chemotherapeutic compounds with potential for application in cancer treatment.
Distinguishing Features
The bunchberry, or bunchberry dogwood, is a low, erect perennial plant, that can be found individually but are more like to grow in colonies. It's cluster of red berries situated above distinct shaped leaves with parallel veins make this easy to identify.
Flowers
A dense cluster of small greenish-white to purplish flowers form above the leaf whorl. They consist of 4 large (1 - 2 cm long), showy, tinged, white to purple petal-like bracts that appear in early summer. When the fruit develops, it is red, fleshy, and grows in a terminal cluster; ripening by midsummer.
Leaves
Leaves are evergreen and grow opposite. They develop 4 to 6 leaves in a whorl at the top of the stem, often with 1 or 2 pairs of smaller, leaf-like scales on the stem below.Leaves are elliptic or egg-shaped, 2 - 6 cm long with the margins tapering to a point at both ends. Leaf veins are parallel.
Height
This plant grows anywhere from 10 to 20 cm tall, from a spreading rhizome; stems are 5 to 15 cm tall and they have a somewhat woody base.
Habitat
These plants grow (approx) from the mid US to the far north, including Greenland and the Canadian Arctic islands. Bunchberry dogwood occurs in coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. It is particularly widespread in the understory of spruce and fir forests. It prefers moist, organically rich, acidic soils in part shade including sun-dappled conditions in close to full shade.
Edible Parts
The mature fruit (and seeds) of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a very mild flavour not making it too desireable for snacking on. They have a high concentration of flavonoids and vitamin C so they are worth foraging. The berries are mealy so they are not exactly a sought-after berry for culinary uses. However, they preserve well and can be added into jams, puddings, other baked treats and teas. They contain high levels of pectin making them a great addition with low pectin fruits when making jams.
Other Name
Creeping Dogwood.
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