Loquat
Eriobotrya japonica
Also listed as Mespilus japonica, Crataegus bibas
Also known as Japanese Medlar, Japanese Plum
Climate Match for your location
See how well Loquat grows in your area.
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A small to medium evergreen tree prized for its early spring fruit production, bearing clusters of small golden-orange fruits with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Hardy in warm climates, it requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.
Why grow it
Loquat offers earlier fruit maturity than most tree fruits in warm regions, with harvest typically occurring in late winter to early spring when other fresh fruit options are limited. Compared to similar subtropical fruits like citrus, loquat trees are more compact and shade-tolerant, making them suitable for smaller spaces and partially shaded microclimates. The fruit requires minimal processing and stores reasonably well, and the tree's evergreen foliage provides year-round visual interest in the landscape.
Watch out for
Young trees and heavy flowering years may benefit from selective fruit thinning to improve individual fruit size and prevent branch breakage. In humid climates, watch for fungal issues like leaf spot and fire blight, which may require improved air circulation or pruning interventions. Trees can become leggy or unproductive without regular pruning, and establishing a clear framework early helps avoid dense, tangled growth later.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Eastern Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Champagne', 'Gold Nugget', and 'Tanaka' are among the most widely grown selections, prized for large fruit size, superior flavor, and consistent productivity in home gardens.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A small to medium evergreen tree prized for its early spring fruit production, bearing clusters of small golden-orange fruits with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Hardy in warm climates, it requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Loquat grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Loquat offers earlier fruit maturity than most tree fruits in warm regions, with harvest typically occurring in late winter to early spring when other fresh fruit options are limited. Compared to similar subtropical fruits like citrus, loquat trees are more compact and shade-tolerant, making them suitable for smaller spaces and partially shaded microclimates. The fruit requires minimal processing and stores reasonably well, and the tree's evergreen foliage provides year-round visual interest in the landscape.
Watch out for
Young trees and heavy flowering years may benefit from selective fruit thinning to improve individual fruit size and prevent branch breakage. In humid climates, watch for fungal issues like leaf spot and fire blight, which may require improved air circulation or pruning interventions. Trees can become leggy or unproductive without regular pruning, and establishing a clear framework early helps avoid dense, tangled growth later.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Eastern Asia
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:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Champagne', 'Gold Nugget', and 'Tanaka' are among the most widely grown selections, prized for large fruit size, superior flavor, and consistent productivity in home gardens.