Western Bunchberry (Alaskan Dogwood) Canadian Cornus unalaschkensis Groundcover Flower Seeds

Add a touch of northern wilderness to your landscape with Western Bunchberry, also known as Alaskan Dogwood or Canadian Bunchberry. This low-growing perennial forms a lush carpet of green foliage, adorned with beautiful white star-shaped flowers in spring and bright red berries in late summer.

Native to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, Cornus unalaschkensis thrives in cool, moist, shaded environments, making it ideal for woodland gardens, understory planting, and naturalized landscapes. The plant’s compact growth habit and ornamental appeal make it both a decorative groundcover and a wildlife-friendly addition, attracting birds and pollinators alike.

Features

• 🌸 Charming White Flowers: Blooms in late spring with showy, petal-like bracts.
• 🍒 Decorative Red Berries: Bright fruit clusters attract birds and wildlife.
• 🌿 Dense Groundcover: Forms a carpet of lush foliage ideal for shaded gardens.
• ❄️ Cold-Hardy: Thrives in USDA Zones 2–6, perfect for northern and alpine regions.
• 🌱 Non-GMO Seeds: Naturally sourced and untreated for reliable germination.
• 🌳 Native Plant: Supports pollinators and native ecosystems.

Specifications

• Common Name: Western Bunchberry / Alaskan Dogwood / Canadian Bunchberry
• Scientific Name: Cornus unalaschkensis
• Plant Type: Perennial groundcover
• Zones: USDA 2–6
• Growth Habit: Low, creeping groundcover
• Height: 4–8 inches
• Spread: 12–24 inches
• Sunlight: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Type: Moist, acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
• Soil pH: 5.0–6.5
• Watering: Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil
• Temperature Range: 40–70°F (4–21°C)
• Days to Germination: 60–120 days (requires cold stratification)
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Berry Season: Late summer
• Pollination: Self-fertile; attracts bees and butterflies
• GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
• Uses: Groundcover, woodland garden, native plant landscaping, shade gardens

Planting Guide

• Cold Stratification: Mix seeds with moist sand and refrigerate for 90–120 days before planting.
• Prepare Soil: Use rich, acidic soil with organic matter such as peat or leaf mold.
• Sow Seeds: Scatter seeds on soil surface and cover lightly with fine soil.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Light: Grow in partial to full shade.
• Germination: Expect slow germination, typically within 2–4 months.
• Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors once danger of frost has passed.
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart to allow spreading.
• Mulching: Use leaf mulch to retain moisture and mimic natural woodland conditions.
• Maintenance: Minimal pruning; remove dead foliage in spring.

Care Tips

• Maintain consistently moist soil — avoid drying out.
• Ideal for planting beneath trees, along shaded borders, or in naturalized gardens.
• Protect from harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates.
• Combine with ferns, hostas, or native woodland perennials for layered texture.
• Mulch annually with composted leaves to promote healthy growth.