common medlar
Also known as: Dutch medlar; medlar; Minshull crab
M. germanica is a spreading small tree or large shrub with oblong leaves turning yellow-brown in autumn, and white flowers 5cm in width in late spring, followed by brown fruit 5cm across.
Scientific classification
- Species
- common medlar (Mespilus germanica)
- Genus
- Mespilus
- Family
- Rosaceae
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- Toxicity
- Fruit Edible · Trees
- Plant type
- 4-8 metres
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Autumn · Spring · Summer
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
common medlar pictures
Distribution of common medlar
Distribution map
Europe, Asia
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of common medlar
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common medlar care guide
- Moderate regular watering, deep soak only during prolonged hot spells
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, deep soak only during prolonged hot spells
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced evergreen shrub feed applied once per early spring yearly
Pruning
PruningLittle pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or chip budding in late summer or by grafting
Growing
GrowingGrow in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Wait to collect fruit until after frost. For more details see medlar cultivation
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility. May also be susceptible to quince leaf blight, brown rot and powdery mildews
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
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