20-25' × 15-20'
The fruits of this Old World gem, harvested by humans for thousands of years, are delicious bright red pear-shaped “cherries” that set heavily in late summer. Dense, chewy and sweet, they deliver a distinctive toothsome tang—there’s nothing like it. Nutritious, medicinal, high in vitamin C and good in jam, syrup, tarts, fruit leather and wine. Let them ripen to full sweetness before picking.
Clusters of small delicate yellow flowers cover the leafless tree in early spring for a striking show before the forsythias even think of waking up. Long-lived large shrub of the Dogwood family, with upright rounded habit, makes a great hedge or can be pruned to a small tree. The wood is hard and strong, once used for spears and wheel spokes.
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun but otherwise adaptable. Likely to bear fruit in 2–3 years. Partially self-fertile—plant multiples to improve yields.
Native to Europe and Asia. Zone 4/5.
Maine Grown.