Nutrition Diet: Are dogwood tree berries good to eat?

While many dogwood berries are inedible or mildly toxic, the fruit from specific species like the Kousa dogwood can be a safe and tasty wild food source. Are dogwood tree berries good to eat? The critical distinction lies in proper species identification, which is a key consideration for anyone exploring wild foods as part of their nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

The edibility of dogwood tree berries depends on the specific species, with Kousa and Cornelian cherry dogwoods producing safe fruits while other types are inedible or mildly toxic. Identification is vital.

Key Points

• Species-Specific Edibility: The edibility of dogwood berries depends on the specific tree species; many are inedible or mildly toxic, while a few are safe and flavorful.

• Kousa Dogwood Berries are Edible: The fruit of the Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is edible and has a sweet, tropical, custard-like pulp that can be eaten fresh or used in jams and desserts.

• Flowering Dogwood Berries are Not: The red berries of the native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) are bitter, astringent, and can cause stomach upset, so they should not be consumed.

• Identification is Critical: Foraging requires 100% positive identification of the species to ensure safety, as inedible varieties can cause mild gastrointestinal distress.

• Nutritional Value: The edible varieties of dogwood berries, like the Kousa, contain beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium.

• Harvest with Caution: Avoid foraging in potentially contaminated areas like roadsides and always ensure the fruit is ripe before consuming.

• Discard Skin and Seeds: When eating Kousa dogwood berries, the gritty skin and seeds should be discarded, and only the soft inner pulp should be consumed.

The Crucial Distinction: Not All Dogwood Berries are Created Equal

Before adding any wild food to your nutrition diet, including dogwood berries, it is essential to understand that the edibility of the fruit is entirely dependent on the species of the tree. Foraging without absolute certainty can lead to health risks. While a couple of dogwood species offer delicious, nutritious berries, many others produce fruit that is either unpalatable or can cause mild gastrointestinal distress. The genus Cornus contains roughly 30 to 60 species, and distinguishing between them is the most important step for safe consumption. Always exercise caution and never eat any berry you cannot identify with 100% certainty.

The Edible Dogwood Species

There are two primary dogwood species cultivated in North America for their edible fruit: the Kousa dogwood and the Cornelian cherry dogwood.

The Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)

Native to East Asia, the Kousa dogwood is a popular ornamental tree now naturalized in some parts of the United States. Its fruit is the most sought-after edible berry of the dogwood family, known for its unique texture and flavor.

Appearance:

• The fruit is a spherical aggregate that looks like a spiky, reddish-pink ball, similar to a lychee or raspberry.
• Ripens in late summer or early fall, turning from green to a vibrant red.
• Best harvested when they are fully red and slightly soft to the touch, or have dropped to the ground.

Taste and Texture:

• The inner pulp has a sweet, custard-like consistency with flavors often compared to mango, melon, or persimmon.
• The outer skin is tough and gritty and should be discarded, along with the seeds.

Nutritional Value:

• Kousa dogwood berries are a source of antioxidants, including anthocyanins.
• They contain vitamins, such as vitamin A, and minerals like calcium and potassium.

The Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas)

This Eurasian species produces a different kind of edible fruit, resembling a smooth, dark red cherry.

Appearance:

• Fruits are small, smooth, oblong, and dark red, maturing in late summer.
• The leaves and flowers appear at different times than the American dogwood, making it easier to distinguish.

Taste and Use:

• The berries are notably tart, or sour, and are best used in cooked preparations.
• They are ideal for making jams, jellies, pies, or sauces.

Inedible and Mildly Toxic Dogwood Species

Most people are familiar with the common flowering dogwood, but its berries are not meant for human consumption. It is critical to differentiate these from the edible varieties.

The Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Native to the eastern United States, the flowering dogwood is a common ornamental tree.

Appearance:

• Bears clusters of bright red, elongated berries in the fall.
• Its berries are not bumpy like the Kousa dogwood's.

Effect:

• The berries are considered inedible due to their extremely bitter and astringent taste.
• While not highly toxic, excessive consumption can cause mild gastrointestinal distress, such as stomach upset.

Other Inedible Species

• Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa): Produces white berries on red stems, which are bitter and inedible for humans.
• Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii): Known to cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed.

How to Tell the Difference: A Comparison Table

Feature	Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)	Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas)	Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Appearance of Fruit	Spherical, bumpy, reddish-pink aggregate fruit, similar to a lychee.	Small, smooth, dark red, oblong berry.	Clusters of bright red, elongated berries.
Best Harvest Time	Late summer to early fall, when soft and deep red.	Late summer, when fully ripe.	Fall, but not for human consumption.
Flavor	Sweet, tropical, notes of mango, persimmon, melon.	Very tart and sour.	Bitter and astringent.
Edibility	Edible pulp (skin and seeds discarded).	Edible flesh (seed discarded).	Inedible; may cause stomach upset.

Safe Foraging Best Practices

Foraging for any wild food requires a strong emphasis on safety to avoid risks. If you are new to foraging, follow these guidelines:

• Absolute Identification: Never, under any circumstances, consume a berry unless you are 100% certain of its species and edibility. When in doubt, leave it out.
• Avoid Contaminated Areas: Do not forage from trees in public areas, along roadsides, or near industrial zones, as plants may have been exposed to pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants.
• Check with Experts: Cross-reference your identification with multiple reliable sources, such as field guides or local foraging experts.
• Eat in Moderation: Even with edible berries, introduce them into your diet slowly and in small quantities to check for any personal adverse reactions.
• Involve Children Carefully: Teach children never to eat anything from a tree or bush unless it is clearly identified as edible by an adult. Forging is a great teaching opportunity for respecting nature and food safety. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia maintains a list of non-poisonous berries as a good starting point for reference.

Adding Edible Dogwood Berries to Your Nutrition Diet

If you have correctly identified edible Kousa or Cornelian cherry dogwood berries, they can be a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meals. Their distinct flavors lend themselves well to a variety of culinary uses.

Culinary Uses for Kousa Berries

• Fresh Snack: Squeeze the sweet, custard-like pulp directly from the skin for a fresh, unique treat.
• Jams and Jellies: The pulp can be strained and simmered to create flavorful preserves.
• Desserts: Incorporate the pulp into baked goods like cakes, puddings, or fruit tarts.
• Wine: The fruit's flavor profile also makes it a good candidate for winemaking.

Culinary Uses for Cornelian Cherry Berries

• Sauces: Cook the tart berries down to create a sauce, much like cranberry sauce, that pairs well with savory dishes.
• Baked Goods: The sourness is perfect for balancing sweetness in pies or muffins.

Conclusion

The question, "Are dogwood tree berries good to eat?" has a nuanced answer. While the fruits of many dogwood species are inedible and should be avoided, specifically identifying and harvesting from a Kousa or Cornelian cherry dogwood can provide a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. The key to safe consumption lies in careful, informed foraging and never taking chances with unidentified plants. By following safe foraging practices, you can confidently explore and enjoy the edible bounty of certain dogwood trees.

External Resource For more information on wild edible plants and foraging safety, check out the resources at Eat The Planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat any kind of red dogwood berry I find?

No, you should never eat any dogwood berry without positive identification. The red, elongated berries of the common flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) are inedible and bitter, while the spiky red berries of the Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) are edible.

What happens if you eat the inedible dogwood berries?

Eating inedible dogwood berries, such as those from the flowering dogwood, can lead to an upset stomach and mild gastrointestinal distress due to their bitter and astringent properties.

How do I identify an edible Kousa dogwood berry?

Kousa dogwood berries are distinctive, resembling a bumpy, spiky, red-pink ball. They ripen in late summer or early fall and are best eaten when they become soft and fall from the tree.

Do dogwood berries have any nutritional benefits?

Yes, edible Kousa dogwood berries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, along with vitamins such as vitamin A and minerals including calcium and potassium.

Are Kousa dogwood berries a commercial fruit?

No, Kousa dogwood berries are not commercially cultivated on a large scale due to their short shelf life. They are typically foraged and consumed as a specialty fruit.

Is the skin of the edible Kousa dogwood berry safe to eat?

The skin of the Kousa dogwood berry is technically edible but has a tough, gritty, and often unpleasant texture. Most people prefer to discard the skin and seeds and only consume the sweet inner pulp.

Are dogwood berries poisonous to pets?

While dogwood berries are not generally considered highly poisonous, they can cause gastrointestinal distress in pets if consumed in excess. It is best to prevent pets from eating them.