Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis — Cornaceae

Italiano: Corniolo canadese — Bunchberry

Description

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) belongs to the Cornaceae family and is native to NAmerica. It thrives in Cool moist woods, Understory environments across regions including Eastern USA, Canada, Northeast. Botanically, Bunchberry is tart berries edible. Ground cover cool forests.. It is also known locally as Bunchberry. The edible parts include Berries. With an edibility rating of 6/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during July and June. Nutritionally, Bunchberry stands out for its Vitamin C (15.0mg, 17% DV), Magnesium (12.0mg, 3% DV) and Potassium (120.0mg, 3% DV). It also provides 1.2g protein and 2.5g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Bunchberry offers a Tart sweet flavor profile. Raw jam. Common culinary applications include raw, jam. Popular preparations include Bunchberry jam, Fresh berry compote, Wild berry jam, Berry syrup for pancakes. For storage, fresh 3d Jam 12mo. Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is no antinutrients. Safe lookalike species include Cornelian cherry. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Cool moist woods, Understory across Eastern USA, Canada, Northeast.

🍳 Recipe: Bunchberry jam

Preparation method: Raw jam
Flavor profile: Tart sweet
Edible parts: Berries

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Jun, Jul.
Lookalike (safe): Cornelian cherry
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): No poisonous
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

6/10
Toxicity: No toxicity
Antinutrients: No antinutrients
Safe lookalikes: Cornelian cherry
Dangerous: No poisonous

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: bacche
Preparation: Raw jam
Flavor: Tart sweet

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 1.2g
Fat: 0.2g
Fiber: 2.5g
Vitamin C: 15.0mg (16%DV)
Vitamin A: 10mcg (1%DV)
Vitamin E: 0.2mg (1%DV)
Vitamin K: 5.0mcg (4%DV)
Folate (B9): 8mcg (2%DV)
Calcium: 10.0mg (0%DV)
Iron: 0.3mg (1%DV)
Magnesium: 12mg (2%DV)
Potassium: 120mg (2%DV)
Zinc: 0.2mg (1%DV)

Culinary Uses: raw, jam Storage: Fresh 3d Jam 12mo

Recipes

  • Bunchberry jam
  • Fresh berry compote
  • Wild berry jam
  • Berry syrup for pancakes
  • Wild Bunchberry salad
  • Foraged Bunchberry pesto
  • Roasted Bunchberry

Where It Grows

Continent: NAmerica
Regions: Eastern USA, Canada, Northeast
Habitat: Cool moist woods, Understory
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Related Plants

🌿 American Bladdernut🌿 Black-eyed Susan🌿 Canada Wild Rye

Sources & References

Kew Plants of the World USDA PLANTS Wikipedia (EN)