Overview
Cornus canadensis is a bushy groundcover in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Cornus canadensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and woodland garden. It is native to Labrador, Newfoundland, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Northwest Territories.
About
Cornus canadensis is a species of flowering plant in the dogwood family Cornaceae, native to eastern Asia and North America. Common names include Canadian dwarf cornel, Canadian bunchberry, quatre-temps, crackerberry, and creeping dogwood.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus canadensis
About the genus
Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cornus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cornus canadensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- groundcover, perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden
- Native to
- Labrador, Newfoundland, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cornus canadensis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained acidic to neutral soils in partial shade to full sun. Tolerates cold climates.
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required; remove dead or damaged stems in early spring.
- Propagation
- By seed or division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Scale insects, Slugs, Snails, Powdery mildew, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Cornus anthracnose, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cornus canadensis?
Prefers moist, well-drained acidic to neutral soils in partial shade to full sun. Tolerates cold climates.
Where is the best place to plant Cornus canadensis?
Cornus canadensis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cornus canadensis need?
Cornus canadensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Cornus canadensis?
Minimal pruning required; remove dead or damaged stems in early spring.
How big does Cornus canadensis grow?
Cornus canadensis reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Cornus canadensis hardy in the UK?
Cornus canadensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cornus canadensis?
By seed or division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Cornus genus
- Cornus florida 'Fastigiata'Flowering Dogwood
- Cornus kousa 'Tsukuba No Mine'Kousa Dogwood
- Cornus mas 'Kazanlak' (F)cornelian cherry 'Kasanlaker'
- Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'Common dogwood
