Medlar, Mespilus germanica

Mespilus germanica, commonly known as medlar, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub in the Rosaceae family. It is native to southwest Asia and southeastern Europe and has been cultivated for centuries for its unusual fruit.

Key Features:

Leaves: Dark green, elliptical, and turn golden in autumn.

Flowers: White or pale pink, similar to apple blossoms, appearing in late spring.

Fruit: Small, brownish, and round, resembling a cross between an apple and a rosehip.

The fruit is inedible when fresh and needs to be bletted (softened by overripening) to develop its sweet, custard-like texture.

Size: Typically grows 3–6 meters (10–20 feet) tall and wide.

Growing Conditions:

Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types.

Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering.

Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 6–9.

Uses:

Ornamental: Attractive foliage and blossoms make it a good choice for gardens.

Culinary: The bletted fruit is used in jams, jellies, and desserts.

Historical Interest: Medlar trees have been cultivated since Roman times and were popular in medieval gardens.

Thicket shadbush, Amelanchier × spicata

Amelanchier × spicata, commonly known as dwarf juneberry or running serviceberry, is a small, multi-stemmed shrub in the Rosaceae family. It is a naturally occurring hybrid, likely derived from Amelanchier stolonifera and other species.

Key Features

Height & Spread: Grows 1.5–3 meters (5–10 feet) tall, spreading through suckers.

Leaves: Oval to oblong, finely serrated, emerging bronze in spring and turning green in summer.

Flowers: Small, white, five-petaled flowers bloom in early spring, attracting pollinators.

Fruit: Dark purple to black berries ripen in summer, edible and loved by birds.

Fall Color: Leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Water: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering.

Hardiness: Zones 3–7, making it ideal for cold climates.

Uses in Landscaping

Excellent for hedgerows, wildlife gardens, and naturalized plantings.

Provides year-round interest with flowers, fruit, and fall color.

Great for erosion control due to its suckering habit.