Cydonia oblonga
quince, common quince, fruiting quince
Notes:
No thorns, unlike its better-known flowering relatives (Chaenomeles). Fragrant fruit, not actually edible raw (except in warm-winter climates) but makes good preserves.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent fireblight.
Blooms on new growth, so prune (if necessary) in winter. Clay tolerance debated (Cal Poly vs. USDA).
Not considered invasive, but has still escaped U.S. cultivation, especially in the Northeast. Despite not being native, quince is listed by Doug Tallamy as supporting 21 native species of butterflies/moths, fifth among all non-native genera.
Sources: Sunset, Missouri BG, Cal Poly, USDA.
Tags:
attracts:butterflies
attracts:larval host
attracts:mammals
branches strong
coarse texture
compacted soil intolerant
easy to grow
edible fruit
exposure:full sun
form:multi-trunked
form:shrub
form:tree
full sun preferred
habit:oval
habit:rounded
infertile soil tolerant
litter:fruit
persistence:deciduous
pruning not required
root disturbance intolerant
roots:low damage potential
roots:shallow
salt intolerant
sandy soil tolerant
showy flowers
slow-growing
stoloniferous/suckering
type:broadleaf
use:espalier
use:hedge
use:screen
use:specimen
water:moderate to little
wet soil tolerant
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