🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Japanese quince is used as an ornamental plant, hedging, erosion control, and for its edible fruit. The fruit is high in pectin and can be used for jams, jellies, and preserves. It is also rich in vitamin C. Some cultivars are selected for larger, better-tasting fruit or more attractive flowers. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. The thorny nature makes it a good barrier plant.
Permapeople description
A deciduous shrub with thorny branches, known for its bright orange-red flowers in early spring and edible, fragrant fruit.
Botanical description
Chaenomeles japonica is a deciduous shrub, typically growing to 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has thorny branches and simple, alternate leaves with crenate margins. The flowers are usually red-orange, but can range from white to pink, and appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a fragrant, greenish-yellow pome, 3-4 cm in diameter, ripening in the fall. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but is adaptable to a range of conditions. It is native to Japan.
Companion planting
Japanese quince is generally compatible with a wide range of plants. Its dense, thorny growth can provide shelter for beneficial insects and small animals. Avoid planting it near plants that are highly susceptible to fungal diseases, as it can potentially harbor some fungal pathogens.
Propagation methods
Japanese quince can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering, and root suckers. Seed propagation requires stratification. Cuttings are best taken in late spring or early summer for softwood cuttings, and in late fall or early winter for hardwood cuttings. Root suckers can be divided and transplanted in the dormant season.
History and traditions
In Japan, Chaenomeles japonica (Kusa-boke) has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental plant and for its fruit. It has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In Western cultures, it is primarily valued as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The fruit was sometimes used in traditional cooking, although its tartness often required significant sweetening.
Usage calendar
Flowering: March-May. Fruit ripening: September-October. Planting: Spring or Fall. Pruning: Late winter or early spring, after flowering.