There are so many unusual fruits in the world. Many of us may know of exotic tropical fruits by reputation, or from an occasional special shipment in the supermarket produce department. Specialty groceries yield some wonderful finds, like fresh lychees or dates at the Korean market. Did you know there could be some odd but tasty ones growing in your landscape?
The fruit of the Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is quite enjoyable– soft and juicy-tart like the red raspberry it resembles. An added bonus to the showy flowers, handsome bark and rosy fall foliage. These are ripening now on some of the specimen trees in the Garden – around the Geis Terrace and the Sears-Swetland Rose Garden, among other spots. They are good when eaten fresh. I haven’t run across a recipe that uses them in anything, although I’m tempted to try some in a fruit salad.
Another ornamental tree with edible fruit is the American native Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis and other species). They have abundant deep red fruits that resemble blueberries in size and flavor. Serveberries ripen in June, and it’s a challenge to get them before the birds. Serviceberry trees grow in many places in the Garden: the Herb Society of America Herb Garden, the Evans Restorative Garden and the Woodland garden, to name several.
The Cornelliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas) has a cloud of yellow flowers in April, followed by oval red fruits that are a lot like sour cherries, even to the single hard seed in the middle and the juicy texture. Cornelliancherries are very hardy small trees with lovely textured bark and few if any pest or disease problems. The fruit is used in eastern Europe to make delicious preserves and it’s very high in vitamin C.
Before sampling any fruit from an ornamental planting, do make certain that it hasn’t been sprayed. And, of course, if it’s not on your land, get the owner’s permission before dining!
Posted by Ann McCulloh
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