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Chinese quince

Chaenomeles speciosa

The Chinese quince is a lovely shrub with bright flowers that bloom in spring. It produces small, yellow fruits that can be used to make tasty jams and jellies!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Chinese quince is a deciduous shrub known for its showy, cup-shaped flowers, which bloom in early spring in shades of vibrant red, pink, or white. Its branches are often gnarled, and it produces large, fragrant yellow-green fruits in autumn.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusChaenomeles
Chinese quince
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Chinese quince

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Chinese quince can live for hundreds of years, becoming a treasured, majestic bonsai tree.

Its fruit, though hard, is so fragrant it's used as a natural air freshener for homes!

Sometimes called 'flowering quince', its spectacular blooms arrive even before its leaves!

The bark of older trees peels in attractive flakes, revealing a mottled, artistic pattern beneath.

Special abilities

Ability

Early Bloomer Power

Chinese quince can burst into bloom in very early spring, providing vital nectar for hungry pollinators when other food sources are scarce.

Ability

Tough Root System

Chinese quince has a robust and adaptable root system that helps it thrive in various soil types and tolerate dry conditions.

Ability

Fragrant Fruit Signal

Chinese quince produces large, sweet-smelling fruits that attract animals to help disperse its precious seeds far and wide.

Measurements & details

Height
300-600 cm
Spread
300-600 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Early spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Main pollinator for its early spring flowers

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Visits early blooms for nectar and pollen

eats

Eyed Hawk-moth

Smerinthus ocellata

Its caterpillars feed on quince leaves

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful around the thorns on the branches; they can be sharp!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Chinese quince?

300-600 cm

How wide does Chinese quince spread?

300-600 cm

How big are the flowers on Chinese quince?

3-5 cm

When does Chinese quince bloom?

Early spring

Is Chinese quince edible?

Yes

Is Chinese quince toxic?

Mild

What is Chinese quince's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Chinese quince pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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