What the heck is this "fruit"? Help please!

[BigDaveK]

Spotted this growing next to my pond. Small tree about 6 ft tall, trunk is about 2 inches in diameter, and the "fruit" is almost 1 inch in diameter. I've searched with no luck, internet and books. There are green and red ones so I think red means ripe. It's driving me crazy because it looks familiar. And it took a LOT of willpower to NOT taste it.

 

[winemaker81]

No clue what that is. However ... If the birds aren't eating it, neither should you ....

 

[Ohio Bob]

Have you considered a Kousa dogwood?

 

[Rice_Guy]

The fruit looks like Korean dogwood (AKA kousa dogwood). Your leaf looks more waxy, thicker, it is fruiting now

Korean dogwood is edible, but I find the fruit very dry, flavor is unusual. I haven’t used it, ,,, yet. I posted numbers on it two years back.

 

[BigDaveK]

OMG, @Ohio Bob and @Rice_Guy I think you nailed it! Fantastic! Thank you!

It wasn't there a few years ago and being next to the pond it may have been "planted" by waterfowl, misc birds, or any creatures that stop for a drink. There's no more than a couple dozen of the fruit but I know what I'm tasting today.
All my other dogwood have fruit like crazy this year. Unfortunately they seem to be all seeds and very bitter.

Yet another benefit of joining WMT! Thank you again very much!!!!

 

[mikewatkins727]

@BigDaveK Button bush (Cephalanus Occidentalis)

 

[BigDaveK]

Thanks @mikewatkins727 but after consideration I'm going with kousa dogwood.

And like I said I would, I tasted it today. Probably one of those things that taste different each year depending on conditions. But this year? I thought it was really good, not quite delicious. Unusual but fruity and surprisingly sweet. If I had enough I would definitely make wine.

 

[FlamingoEmporium]

Freeze em’ to add to next years bumper crop

 

[mikewatkins727]

Thanks @mikewatkins727 but after consideration I'm going with kousa dogwood.

And like I said I would, I tasted it today. Probably one of those things that taste different each year depending on conditions. But this year? I thought it was really good, not quite delicious. Unusual but fruity and surprisingly sweet. If I had enough I would definitely make wine.

Well, @BigDaveK I have too recant my CLAIM of Button bush. I have to go with kousa dogwood. Further research bears that out.

 

[BigDaveK]

Well, @BigDaveK I have too recant my CLAIM of Button bush. I have to go with kousa dogwood. Further research bears that out.

Well, sir, not everyone would post a change of opinion and I admire that. You're A-OK in my book!