Medlar Mespilus germanica 'Dutch' (F)
ABOUT
Mespilus germanica 'Dutch', commonly known as the Dutch medlar, is a deciduous fruit tree known for its unique aesthetic and culinary uses. The tree showcases a distinctive growth pattern with gnarled and twisted branches that give it a characterful appearance, reminiscent of something out of a whimsical fairytale. The leaves of the Dutch medlar are broad and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and finely serrated edges, providing a lush green canopy throughout the spring and summer months. In autumn, the foliage turns to shades of yellow and brown, creating a picturesque display before the leaves drop off for the winter. The flowers of the Dutch medlar are a beautiful feature, blooming in late spring or early summer. They are large, white, and single, with five rounded petals and a pleasant fragrance, attracting various pollinators to the garden. What truly sets this Dutch medlar apart is its fruit. The fruits are brown and resemble large rose hips, bumpy and irregular with a russetted, leathery texture. They are typically left on the branches well into winter, as they become edible and sweetest after being softened by frost in a process known as bletting. The fruit's interior is creamy and pale, filled with large, brown seeds. The Dutch medlar's fruit has been described as having an acquired taste with hints of apple and wine flavors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
German Medlar, Dutch Medlar, Common Medlar
Common names
Crataegus germanica, Mespilus vulgaris.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Medlar (Mespilus germanica 'Dutch') is not considered toxic to humans. The fruit of the Medlar is edible and can be consumed when bletted, a process where the fruit becomes soft and sweet. There is no documented toxicity in humans from ingesting the Medlar fruit or other parts of the plant. Therefore, there are no known symptoms of poisoning to describe from the consumption of this plant.
To pets
Medlar (Mespilus germanica 'Dutch') is also not known to be toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that the consumption of the Medlar fruit or any part of the Medlar plant would result in poisoning symptoms in pets such as dogs or cats. Thus, ingestion of this plant should not cause any harmful consequences to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive white flowers and brown fruit.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
- Edible Fruit: Produces a loquat-like fruit that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or made into jellies and preserves.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with flowers in spring, fruit in autumn, and foliage changes in fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought conditions.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it suitable for temperate climates.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Historical Significance: Has a rich history of cultivation, adding a sense of tradition and continuity to the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, aside from occasional pruning.
- Soil Adaptability: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
Medical Properties- Antidiarrheal: May reduce diarrhea due to the presence of astringent substances.
- Antioxidant: Contains phenolic compounds which can have antioxidant effects.
- Diuretic: The plant may promote the excretion of urine.
- Gastrointestinal relief: Can help soothe upset stomachs and improve digestion.
- Anti-inflammatory: Certain compounds in the fruit might reduce inflammation in the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking Material: The wood of the Medlar tree is hard and dense, making it suitable for making small specialty items like chess pieces and wood engravings.
- Natural Dye: The fruit and leaves can be used to produce dyes for textiles, yielding colors from yellows to browns depending on the mordant used.
- Wildlife Food Source: Medlar trees provide a source of food for birds and mammals, especially during late autumn and winter when the fruit has bletted and is more palatable.
- Bonsai Plant: Due to its interesting branch structure and attractive leaves, the Medlar can be cultivated as a bonsai, adding an unusual species to collections.
- Photography: The unique appearance of the bletted Medlar fruits and the tree's flowers can be subjects for macro and nature photography.
- Educational Use: Medlar trees can be a living example when teaching about non-commercial fruit crop cultivation and historical fruit varieties in botany classes.
- Landscape Design: With its attractive flowers and distinctive fruits, Medlars can be used as ornamental trees in garden designs meant to evoke a bygone era.
- Culinary Demonstrations: Medlars can be incorporated into cooking classes focused on reviving historical recipes or forgotten fruits.
- Horticultural Crafts: Dried Medlar branches with fruits intact can be used for decorative wreaths and floral arrangements.
- Folklore and Cultural Events: Medlars can be the center of harvest festivals or traditional events celebrating historical fruits and local produce.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Medlar is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Medlar is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: Since the Mespilus germanica, commonly known as medlar, only becomes edible after being softened by frost or bletted, it symbolizes patience in waiting for the right moment.
- Self-reflection: The need to wait for the medlar to blet before it becomes palatable may reflect the importance of self-reflection and inner growth that only comes with time.
- Time and Transformation: The transformation of the medlar's hard fruits into soft, edible ones over time signifies the power and necessity of change and transformation in life.
- Overcoming Difficulties: The fact that medlar fruits need to decay slightly to be enjoyed can symbolize the idea of overcoming challenges or finding value and sweetness after a period of difficulty.
WaterThe Medlar tree should generally be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons for younger trees and up to 4-5 gallons for mature trees during dry periods. Frequency may need to be adjusted depending on the soil moisture, which can be checked by feeling the soil around 2 inches deep. During the winter, watering can be reduced or may not be necessary if the weather provides adequate moisture. Ensure that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. Over-watering is to be avoided, as medlar trees do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
LightMedlar trees thrive in full sun, so it's best to plant your Medlar 'Dutch' where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate a partially shaded area, but the fruit production is likely to be reduced. The ideal spot would be one that gets uninterrupted sun throughout the day, shielding it from strong winds which could affect pollination and fruit set.
TemperatureMedlar trees are relatively hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from as low as -20°F in winter to the high summer heat. They perform best in an environment where typical summer temperatures range between 80°F and 90°F. Medlar trees can tolerate a mild frost, but flowers and young fruits may be damaged by late spring frosts.
PruningPrune your Medlar 'Dutch' during the dormant season, ideally in late winter before new growth starts, to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Thinning out crowded branches will improve air circulation, essential for reducing disease risk, and allow sunlight to penetrate, improving fruit development. Annual pruning is generally recommended to maintain the health and productivity of the tree.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Medlar (Mespilus germanica 'Dutch') prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix can be composed of garden soil, compost, and some coarse sand or perlite for improved drainage. Amending the soil with organic matter will help to provide the nutrients the Medlar tree needs for healthy growth.
RepottingMedlar trees (Mespilus germanica 'Dutch') are slow-growing and do not need to be repotted often. Young trees can be repotted every 2 to 3 years, while mature trees may only need repotting every 4 to 5 years to refresh the soil and to provide a slightly larger growing space if they become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingMedlar (Mespilus germanica 'Dutch') trees are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and do not have specific humidity requirements. They are quite hardy and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in temperate outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Medlars need bright light indoors and cool winter temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and prune for shape.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Medlar 'Dutch' (F) begins its lifecycle as a seed, which germinates in spring under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture. It then grows into a young seedling and, over several years, develops into a mature bushy shrub with deciduous leaves. This woody plant flowers in late spring, producing white blossoms that are self-fertile, leading to the development of fruit. The uniquely shaped fruits mature in late autumn but are typically harvested after the first frost, which softens the flesh in a process called bletting. The fruit can be consumed fresh, made into jellies, or used in various recipes. Eventually, the Medlar 'Dutch' enters a period of dormancy during the winter months before resuming growth in the following spring, thus continuing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The common medlar (Mespilus germanica 'Dutch') is typically propagated by grafting, which is best performed in late winter to early spring, before sap begins to flow and buds swell. The most popular method involves taking a scion, a small twig with several buds, from a desired medlar tree and grafting it onto a rootstock, often hawthorn or quince. The scion should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long. The selected rootstock should be cut cleanly to match the scion, and the two are then joined together, ensuring that the cambium layers (the growth tissue just beneath the bark) are aligned. This union is then wrapped tightly with grafting tape to hold them in place and protect from pests and diseases while the graft heals and fuses together, which typically takes several weeks to a few months.
