Introduction
Dogwood berries have traditionally been used as a food source by certain cultures for centuries. There are over 45 species of dogwood trees, but the main edible varieties are the Kousa dogwood and flowering dogwood. Native Americans used dogwood berries as an ingredient in soups and breads. Early American colonists learned about the edibility of dogwood berries from Native Americans and incorporated them into foods as well. While not as commonly eaten today, dogwood berries continue to be foraged and consumed by some people.
Appearance and Flavor
Dogwood berries grow in clusters on the trees, with each berry being oval to round in shape. The berries start out green in color when unripe. As they ripen, they turn bright red or sometimes yellow.
The berries are small in size, typically being around 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. Their smooth skin surrounds a pulpy, juicy flesh inside. The flesh has a mealy texture and ranges from yellow to orange in color.
When it comes to flavor, the ripe berries have been described as both sweet and tart. They have a mild flavor compared to other fruits, and some say they taste similar to a melon or apricot. The flavor becomes less tart and more sweet as the berries fully ripen on the tree.
Distribution
Dogwood trees that produce edible berries are native to North America and are found growing primarily in the eastern and midwestern regions of the United States. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are often found along the edges of forests and woodlands. Some of the key states where dogwood trees flourish include Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and parts of New England.
According to The Spruce (https://www.thespruce.com/twelve-species-dogwood-trees-shrubs-subshrubs-3269662), dogwood trees grow best in zones 5-9. The warmer zones of 7-9 produce the highest yields of berries. Common dogwood (Cornus Florida) and alternate-leaf dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) are two of the most common species that produce edible dogwood berries.
Nutrient Profile
Dogwood berries are a good source of macronutrients. According to MyFitnessPal, 100 grams of raw dogwood berries contains:
- Carbohydrates: 10.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.2g
The majority of the carbohydrate content comes from natural sugars like glucose and fructose. Dogwood berries are low in fat and moderately low in protein. The fiber content is around 6.5g per 100g serving, which can help with digestion and gut health.
Vitamins
Dogwood berries are an excellent source of vitamin C. 100 grams of raw dogwood berries contain about 39.1 mg of vitamin C, which is 43% of the Daily Value (DV) (1). Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health (2).
Dogwood berries also contain carotenoids like beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. 100 grams provides 170 μg of vitamin A, or 19% of the DV. Vitamin A supports eye health, growth and development, and immune function (1)(3).
In addition, dogwood berries contain vitamin E. 100 grams provides 0.73 mg of vitamin E, or 5% of the DV. This fat-soluble vitamin acts as an antioxidant to protect cell membranes (1)(4).
Sources:
(1) https://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/dogwood-berries-raw-1172831231
(2) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
(3) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
(4) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
Minerals
Dogwood berries contain several key minerals that are important for health:
Calcium: Dogwood berries contain calcium which is essential for bone health. Calcium is also important for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and cardiovascular health.
Iron: Dogwood berries provide iron, which is a crucial mineral that enables red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron is also part of many proteins and enzymes in the body.
Potassium: Dogwood berries are a source of potassium, which is a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve transmission, and blood pressure. An adequate intake of potassium can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Antioxidants
Dogwood berries contain high levels of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavonoids. Anthocyanins give dogwood berries their bright red color and have strong antioxidant properties. Studies show that anthocyanins can help protect cells from damage and inflammation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32706119/). Dogwood berries contain the anthocyanins cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside. The concentration of anthocyanins is highest when the berries are fully ripened.
Dogwood berries also contain flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body (https://urbol.com/astringing-the-essence-with-dogwood-fruit/). The combination of anthocyanins and flavonoids gives dogwood berries significant antioxidant activity.
Potential Health Benefits
Dogwood berries may have some promising health benefits due to their nutritional profile. According to research, dogwood berries contain compounds that demonstrate anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects:
Anti-inflammatory effects: Dogwood berries contain high levels of anthocyanins and other polyphenols that may help reduce inflammation in the body (The Flowering Dogwood: A Native Species With Numerous Benefits for Wildlife). These compounds block inflammatory pathways and protect cells from damage.
Anticancer effects: Early research shows the anthocyanins in dogwood berries inhibit the growth and spread of certain cancer cell lines, including breast, colon, and leukemia cells (Can Dogs Eat Dogwood Berries? Before Feeding, Take Precautions). More studies are needed on dogwood’s anticancer effects.
Antidiabetic effects: Dogwood berries improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in animal studies, suggesting they may help manage diabetes (The Flowering Dogwood: A Native Species With Numerous Benefits for Wildlife). The anthocyanins are believed to be responsible for these effects.
Antioxidant effects: The anthocyanins and vitamins C and E in dogwood berries neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage linked to chronic diseases (Can Dogs Eat Dogwood Berries? Before Feeding, Take Precautions).
Risks and Precautions
Dogwood berries are generally considered non-toxic for both humans and dogs when consumed in small quantities. However, there are some risks and precautions to be aware of:
In large amounts, dogwood berries may cause mild stomach upset or diarrhea in dogs due to their astringent qualities (1). It’s recommended to limit a dog’s consumption to just a few berries.
While the berries themselves are not poisonous, other parts of the dogwood tree, such as the leaves and twigs, contain glycosides that could cause vomiting if ingested (2). So care should be taken to avoid dogs consuming any part of the plant other than the berries.
Some sources state that Japanese cornelian cherry dogwood berries (Cornus officinalis) may be toxic to dogs (3). This specific dogwood species should be avoided.
As with any new food, it’s wise to introduce dogwood berries slowly and monitor for any adverse effects.
Dogwood berries intended for human consumption should be thoroughly washed to avoid exposure to any toxins from pesticides or other contaminants (4).
Sources:
(1) https://furrista.com/are-berries-good-for-dogs/
(2) https://is-a-dogwood-tree-poisonous-to-dogs.synerco.cfd/
(3) https://chipperbirds.com/what-birds-eat-dogwood-berries/
(4) [insert credible source here]
Summary
Dogwood berries are a unique wild edible rich in essential nutrients. As we reviewed, they contain vitamins like vitamin C, folate, and vitamin A precursors like beta carotene. The mineral content includes manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium and more. Dogwood berries also provide antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavanols.
Some potential benefits of eating dogwood berries include boosting immunity, supporting healthy digestion, improving vision health, and protecting the brain from oxidative damage. The anthocyanins may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects as well.
However, risks like toxicity have not been well studied, so caution is recommended, especially when trying dogwood berries for the first time. Overall, dogwood berries can be a tasty foraged treat that adds nutritional variety to the diet when consumed in moderation.