Knowledgebase
Type of dogwood? #772721
Asked September 22, 2021, 3:36 PM EDT
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Hi, Liz. Thanks for contacting the Extension Master Gardener Helpline.
Yes, the photo you show is the fruit of a Cornus kousa, and yes, it is edible according to the literature. The following links give you a little more detail.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cornus-kousa/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornus_kousa
I have a personal rule that I will pass on for what it's worth: Even after I have verified that something is edible according to the literature, I usually make the first taste very, very small. Then I wait for 24 hours. If there are no ill effects, then I will eat it with a little more confidence, but never in large quantities. And I do not feed items to children that I haven't tested this way first.
I note that there are various recipes for Cornus kousa berries online, and once you've made sure you tolerate them well, you may want to try some of them.
I hope this information is helpful.
Jessie, Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteer