Medlar
mespilus germanica
Also known as: ["Common Medlar","Norse Medlar"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub native to Southwestern Europe and Southwest Asia, known for its unique fruit that becomes edible after bletting.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Mespilus |
| Botanical Name: | Mespilus germanica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in temperate regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with added organic matter; tolerates slightly sandy or clay soils if well-aerated.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter/early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend with lime if too acidic; ensure good aeration to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C) in dormant state.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; protect from late frosts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; water before and after applying fertilizer; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings ( hardwood or semi-hardwood ); seed ( requires stratification ); grafting onto compatible rootstock.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy parent material.
- Prepare cuttings/seed.
- Apply rooting hormone (if applicable).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Monitor for roots.
Best Time: Late winter/early spring for cuttings; autumn for seeds (stratify over winter); spring for grafting.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%); warm temperatures (65–75°F); indirect light.
Medium
Perlite or sand mixed with peat moss; well-draining potting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Recommended for stem cuttings to improve rooting success.
Timeline
Cuttings: 4–8 weeks to root; seeds: 12–18 months from sowing to germination; grafting: immediate establishment if successful.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting branches.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove crossing branches; cut back to a bud or lateral branch.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or soil is depleted; typically every 2–3 years for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Check root condition; prepare new pot with fresh soil; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for 4–6 weeks.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay amendments.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; delayed bud break in spring if winter was too mild; dieback in prolonged cold snaps.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn yellow; buds may fail to open; roots can freeze in poorly insulated soil.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in extreme cold; ensure proper winter hardening by avoiding late-season fertilization.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch; reduced fruit set; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use correct dilution; apply evenly; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThe fruit of Mespilus germanica is not considered toxic to cats, though raw fruit may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation due to tannins.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten raw
Dogs
Non-toxicThe fruit of Mespilus germanica is generally non-toxic to dogs, but raw fruit may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to tannins.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten raw
Humans
Non-toxicThe fruit of Mespilus germanica, commonly known as medlar, is not toxic but must be properly ripened (bletted) before consumption. Raw fruit can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high tannin content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten raw
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the medlar fruit edible?
A: Yes, the fruit becomes edible after undergoing a process called bletting, which softens the flesh.
Q: How tall does the medlar tree grow?
A: It typically grows to a height of 4–5 meters (13–16 feet).
Q: Does the medlar tree require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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