Chinese Quince
Pseudocydonia sinensis
Also listed as Chaenomeles sinensis, Cydonia sinensis
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous ornamental tree native to China, prized for its fragrant pink or white spring blossoms and hard, fragrant golden-yellow fruits that ripen in fall. The fruit is primarily ornamental but can be used for fragrance, jellies, or traditional medicine.
Why grow it
Chinese quince offers a longer ornamental season than many temperate fruit trees, combining spring flowers with showy fall fruit that persists well into winter. Unlike common quince (Cydonia oblonga), it tolerates a broader range of climates and soil types, making it viable in regions where standard quince struggles. The fruit's strong fragrance makes it useful for potpourri and perfumery applications without the processing demands of culinary quince varieties.
Watch out for
Fruit drop can be heavy in some years or under water stress, potentially creating cleanup work in high-traffic areas. Young trees may take several years to establish reliable flowering, particularly in cooler climates. The wood is relatively brittle and prone to storm damage in exposed locations, so shelter and structural pruning during establishment help reduce breakage later.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Central China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A deciduous ornamental tree native to China, prized for its fragrant pink or white spring blossoms and hard, fragrant golden-yellow fruits that ripen in fall. The fruit is primarily ornamental but can be used for fragrance, jellies, or traditional medicine.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chinese Quince grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Chinese quince offers a longer ornamental season than many temperate fruit trees, combining spring flowers with showy fall fruit that persists well into winter. Unlike common quince (Cydonia oblonga), it tolerates a broader range of climates and soil types, making it viable in regions where standard quince struggles. The fruit's strong fragrance makes it useful for potpourri and perfumery applications without the processing demands of culinary quince varieties.
Watch out for
Fruit drop can be heavy in some years or under water stress, potentially creating cleanup work in high-traffic areas. Young trees may take several years to establish reliable flowering, particularly in cooler climates. The wood is relatively brittle and prone to storm damage in exposed locations, so shelter and structural pruning during establishment help reduce breakage later.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Central China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
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