C. cathayensis/Cathay Flowering Quince

Chaenomeles cathayensis

The unusual fruit of this rare tree produces a citrus-like juice that is high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants and used in Eastern Europe to flavor marmalade, candies, ice cream and yogurt. It also makes an excellent jelly and combines well with apples in a pie. The white with pink striped spring flowers are favored by bees, but another flowering quince is needed for pollination.

The shrubby plant, which can be grown as a single-trunk standard by suppressing the many suckers at the base, grows only 15' tall, but the oblong green fruit, which turns yellow in a warm summer, is huge, almost two pounds each. Pick fruit in late autumn while still hard and let it sit to ripen. The tree adapts well to heavy soil, but has long thorns, so be careful when picking the fruit.

USDA Zone: 5-9

Grow Height: 15' 

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: September/October

Pollination: Need 2 Different Varieties for Pollination