Description of a Medlar Tree

• The medlar is an exotic looking, deciduous tree. It reaches 8 to 15 feet at maturity, so it will fit into most garden settings. The 4- to 6-inch oval leaves are large and velvety. The foliage is medium to dark green, thin and velvety. The flowers appear in late spring or early summer, and are 2 to 3 inches across. The medlar is in the rose (Rosaceae) family, so the white flowers look similar to wild rose blossoms. The bark becomes smooth and shiny over time, adding to the tidy appearance of the tree. The branches grow in a sculptural, irregular pattern. You can leave the lower branches intact, so the medlar will develop into a large shrub, or trim them and train it to a tree form. The species will have thorns, but the modern cultivars do not.
  
  

Uses for Medlar Fruit

• Medlar fruit looks much like a large brown rose hip. The 1- to 2-inch hard fruits are inedible until the first frost. This alters the acidity and begins the softening process. This is when you pick the fruit and allow it to ripen indoors. It is ready to eat when it becomes soft. The taste is most commonly described as similar to spiced applesauce or fig. Historically, the fruit was valued for its keeping properties through winter when food was scarce. The medlar fruit can be eaten out of hand once it is ripened. It is more often used to make preserves and pies. Medlars bear fruit the second or third year after planting.
  
  

Medlar Cultural Requirements

• Medlar trees are tough and easy to grow. They are rarely bothered by pests or diseases. These trees are self-fertile, so no other pollinating species is required. They are tolerant of most soils but do need good drainage. Fertilize or apply a layer of rich compost once a year. Water medlars well when young, then supply average summer water after that. In hot regions position this tree where it will receive afternoon shade. Where winds are harsh, place the medlar in a sheltered spot. Though sun loving, in most climates this tree will do fine in partial shade. Medlars are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5.
  
  

Locating Medlar Trees

• Though they are becoming better known, medlars are not common nursery trees. You can usually order one from nurseries that specialize in uncommon edible plants. The most popular variety is Breda Giant, which is a small tree of only 10 feet at maturity. Breda Giant is hardy to USDA zone 4. Royal and Marron are also easy to grow, but Breda Giant has the sweetest largest fruit.