What is a dwarf dogwood tree?

The dwarf dogwood is a sub-shrub found in Canada, the northern United States, Colorado and New Mexico. It thrives in or near forests and often covers the forest floor. Its scientific name is Cornus canadensis, and its other common names include the bunchberry and the Canadian dwarf cornel.

The dwarf dogwood's leaf shape is similar to that of the dogwood tree, and the flowering stems grow to 8 inches tall. The green leaves change to bright colors in the fall, and its four white-to-pinkish leaves look like petals. At the center of the white leaves are white, greenish or purplish flowers. The name "bunchberry" comes from the clusters of red fruit that appear on the plant in late summer.