Cydonia oblonga aka Quince

Cydonia oblonga, or common quince, belongs to the rose family. Its native range runs from the Caucasus into Central Asia. It grows on rocky slopes and near woodland edges. This deciduous plant forms a small tree or large shrub. Garden plants reach about 8–15 feet [2.5–4.6 metres] tall. They spread about 8–15 feet [2.5–4.5 metres] wide. Some accounts give heights of 20 feet [6 metres].

The crown is rounded, with crowded, crooked branches. Older trees develop a gnarled shape. Broad, oval leaves grow along the stems in an alternate pattern. Their green upper sides contrast with grey, downy undersides. The leaves can turn rich yellow before they fall. Single pink or white flowers open in mid-to-late spring. Each flower measures about two inches across. Golden-yellow fruit follows, with a round or pear-like shape. The fruit has a downy skin and a strong scent.

Quince grows best in full sun and a warm, sheltered site. It accepts part shade, though sun gives better flowering. Choose deep, fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. It prefers loam but accepts a range of soils. Alkaline soil can cause leaf yellowing. Established plants can cope with some dry soil. Sources list USDA zones 5–8 and UK hardiness H5. Long, hot summers help the fruit develop well. Oregon State cautions against warm, humid growing sites.

Grow quince for fruit, as a specimen, or in hedges. Growers also use it as a dwarfing rootstock for pears. Its flowers draw bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. Young plants send up root suckers and can form thickets. Remove these shoots to limit spread or train a tree. Prune in winter; flowers develop on new growth. Aphids and caterpillars may attack the plant. Diseases include fireblight, leaf blight, brown rot, and powdery mildew. Leaf and fruit spots, rust, and honey fungus also occur.

Harvest the fruit before the first autumn frost. In cool climates, the hard, astringent flesh needs cooking. Use it in jelly, jam, pies, or preserves. Its high pectin content helps preserves set. Fruit grown in warmer climates may suit raw eating. The flowers are edible too. Seeds contain toxins, so remove them before eating the fruit. Keep pets from eating the fruit. Quince has escaped gardens in the United States, but sources do not class it as invasive.