Cornus unalaschkensis
Bunchberry, Bunchberry
(c) J Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by J Brew · licence
Family: Cornaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Cornus unalaschkensis (Bunchberry) is a native California shrub in the Cornaceae family, recognized by Co-occurs with 5 other Cornus species but unique growth form makes identification straightforward.
Bunchberry is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in northwestern California in moist forests and bogs at elevations of 60 to 1,920 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white to yellow flowers in small clusters with 4 showy white bracts surrounding the delicate bloom. Growing with short stems less than 20 centimeters tall, it spreads through underground rhizomes and typically features a distinctive whorl of 4 to 6 leaves. Its leaves are elliptic to obovate, measuring 2.5 to 7 centimeters long and ranging from glabrous to slightly hairy. The fruit is a bright red spherical berry approximately 8 millimeters in diameter with a smooth stone.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 5 other Cornus species but unique growth form makes identification straightforward
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist forest, bogs
Elevation: 60-1920 m
California counties: Mendocino, Humboldt, Siskiyou
Outside California: to Alaska, western Canada, Montana, Idaho
Bloom period
Cornus unalaschkensis blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Prunus: Cornus has opposite leaves and 4-parted flowers; cherry has alternate leaves and 5-parted flowers.; vs Sambucus: Cornus has simple opposite leaves; elderberry has opposite compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets.; vs Rhamnus: Cornus has 4-parted flowers; buckthorn has 5-parted flowers with petals often smaller than sepals.; vs Philadelphus: Cornus has 4-parted flowers and opposite simple leaves; mock orange has 4-5 petals and shredding bark.; vs Magnolia: Cornus has opposite leaves and small 4-parted flowers; magnolia has alternate leaves and large showy flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cornus unalaschkensis native to California?
Yes. Cornus unalaschkensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cornus unalaschkensis bloom?
Cornus unalaschkensis blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Cornus unalaschkensis grow?
Cornus unalaschkensis occurs in Mendocino, Humboldt, Siskiyou, at elevations of 60-1920 m.
What plant family does Cornus unalaschkensis belong to?
Cornus unalaschkensis is in the Cornaceae family, genus Cornus.
Is Cornus unalaschkensis rare or endangered?
Cornus unalaschkensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.