Quince Tree Description

The Quince tree (Cydonia oblonga) is often confused with ornamental quince varieties, such as the Japanese quince and common flowering quince. While the trees and ornamentals both produce colorful spring flowers, the latter grows virtually inedible fruit according to Cornell University's Fruit Resources. Quince trees grow wild in parts of the Middle East and Asia, and are common in Mediterranean regions. Not prevalent in the United States, the Quince tree is used as rootstock for pear trees.

Growing Quince Trees

Quince trees prefer full sun and fertile soil and can grow up to 20 feet tall. Since the roots grow shallowly, Botany.com notes that the deciduous trees should be planted in heavy soil that will not dry out. Quinces are typically hardy to zones 4-6 (-15 to -25 degrees Celsius) and, according to the Agroforestry Research Trust (the Trust), need to experience temperatures below seven degrees Celsius in order to produce flowers. Quinces can be grown as a bush, or trained to form a single trunk, giving the appearance of a small tree. Quince branches are described by multiple sources as "unusual, crooked" and "gnarled."

Pests and Diseases

Cornell University's "Fruit Resources" notes that Quince trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. These include bud injury, borers, codling moths, scale and tent caterpillars, and fireblight, which can be avoided by limiting the amount of nitrogen and curtailing pruning to avoid a dark brown "burned" appearance. Botany.com observes that these problems are common not only to the Quince, but to other fruit trees, as well.

Leaf and Flower Appearance

Quince flower

The Trust describes the Quince's leaves as oval or elliptical in shape, growing 2 to 4 inches long and 1.6 to 2.2 inches wide. Simple and alternately arranged, they appear dark green on top, but are described by Botany.com as having "a silvery sheen underneath, which shimmers in the breeze." After the leaves have emerged, pink or white flowers appear in the spring (typically May and early June). In the fall, however, the leaves turn yellow.

Fruit

Quince fruit

Quince trees produce pear-shaped fruits that turn from green to yellow as they ripen in late fall. Fully ripe fruit can weigh as much as one pound, and is renowned for its strong fragrance. The quince is an edible fruit, but, as the Trust notes, the seeds are poisonous. Most people prefer to eat quince cooked--either baked or in jelly. In fact, the high level of pectin in the fruit helps quince jelly to solidify.

Cultivars

Numerous cultivars of the Quince tree have been developed. According to Cornell University, some of the commonly available varietals include the Angers, Orange, Pineapple, Champion, and Smyrna. The Trust explains that the cultivars have been bred to produce various flavors (e.g., Pineapple Quince gives a pineapple flavor to jelly), different leaf shapes, cold hardiness, or ripening time for the fruit.

References

• Cornell Fruit Resources; "Minor Fruits: Quinces, Cydonia oblonga"
• Agroforestry Research Trust "Quince: Cydonia oblonga"
• Cydonia-Quince
• Quince