Fall Plant & Tree ID: Kousa Dogwood

Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa
Japanese Dogwood, native to Japan and Korea, is a small tree or shrub native to Asia and is very popular in the US. Even though it is not native, it's not considered invasive. Fall foliage is a showy red color. The fruit of a dogwood is produced in abundance in the late summer & early fall. It is a pink to red round berry with a distinct bumpy skin. The fruit is edible and tastes like a tropical fruit, similar to lychee. The berries also contain antioxidants and calcium. Some people use the fruit to make wine, juice, or jelly.