Japanese Medlar

Eriobotrya japonica (er-ee-oh-boh-TRY-ah jah-PON-ih-kah)

Family: Rosaceae Non-native Understory (15-40 ft)

A tropical evergreen shrub or tree with alternate, simple leaves that are leathery, veiny, and toothed. The top of the leaf is smooth while the bottom is downy, with short hairs. The plant usually does not fruit in NC due to its cold sensitivity. If the temperature falls below 28 degrees F, blooms or fruit likely will not survive. The tree itself can survive in temps down to about 10 degrees F. The tree is an accent or screening plant which attracts hummingbirds and bees. When planted in an area where the fruits will not set, its rounded, compact form makes it a great street tree. This plant is resistant to damage by deer and is moderately salt tolerant. It is native to China and Japan, Its leaf texture has winter interest. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : Fire blight can be troublesome on this tree. The bacterium that causes fire blight, Erwinia amylovora , is spread by rain and insects, such as bees, ants, flies, aphids, and beetles. Diseases include rots, cankers, blight, scab, and leaf spot. Dropping fruits can be a litter problem in locations where fruit set occurs. Quick ID Hints : coarsely serrated, wrinkled leaves 6-9" long 3-6" long panicles form in summer stem, bud, leaves tomentose (a dense layer of short, matted, wooly hairs) Blooms late fall through winter, coarsely textured, can be used as specimen or as an espalier. Prefers moist, well-drained, loamy soil, full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Easy to grow, tolerates alkaline soil, drought, fireblight can be a problem.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 72 attributes.