Medlar
Mespilus germanicafam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 3837 — Mespilus germanica
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IOverview
Overview
Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a deciduous tree native to the Caucasus and regions of Western Asia. It thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil that can be light, medium, or heavy. Hardy from zones 5-8, it grows up to 6 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit. While primarily a fruit-bearing tree, medlar also has ornamental value due to its attractive spring blossoms and autumn foliage. Its adaptability makes it suitable for gardens in temperate climates where it can provide both beauty and sustenance.
Quick answers
What is Medlar?
Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a deciduous tree native to the Caucasus and regions of Western Asia. It thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil that can be light, medium, or heavy. Hardy from zones 5-8, it grows up to 6 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
To cultivate Medlar successfully, it's essential to provide the right conditions. This perennial plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and requires moist soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. However, its hardiness is limited to temperate regions with temperatures between 5-8 degrees Celsius. Medlar grows rapidly, reaching heights of up to 6 meters. For propagation, the edible parts - specifically the fruit - can be used to create new plants, as they contain viable seeds or can produce suckers.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Medlar for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, hardy tree that thrives in partial sun and moist soil.
- 1
What you'll need
A medlar sapling or young tree.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring before new growth starts.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light, medium, or heavy soil that stays moist. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to a prepared hole in your garden. Water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Prune lightly to shape the tree in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree annually in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest fruit when it softens and turns brown.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, not providing enough water, neglecting to prune, over-fertilizing, and planting in full sun.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Medlar's fruit is edible and typically eaten raw or dried. The ripe fruit has a sweet pulp surrounding a single seed, often referred to as a "honeycomb" due to its unique structure. In some traditional preparations, the fruit is used in jams or preserves. Its exact preparation methods are not well-documented, but it's clear that the Medlar's edible parts are utilized primarily for their culinary value.
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 25 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 25 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 5 native· 25 introduced
Europe17 regions
native (2)RussiaUkraine
introduced (15)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPortugalRomaniaSpainSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia4 regions
native (2)IranIraq
introduced (2)TurkeyTurkmenistan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Ecuador
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria, Turkey-in-Europe
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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