Mespilus germanica 'NOTTINGHAM'

Medlar is a less known fruit tree from S.W.Asia. It is a small tree or a large deciduous shrub whose close relative is loquat, a less hardy species of the same genus. So if you are looking for a tree with similar foliage but hardier try this one.

Nottingham is an English medlar variety renowned for its rusty brown fruit of apple and pear flavour. The fruit is a little flattened at the end and about the same size as those on the species. It is edible only after the first frosts, or if picked early it should be bletted in room temperature in order to become soft and sweet. However, we recommend leaving the fruit hanging on the tree for as long as possible, obviously avoiding serious frosts. Then the flesh is soft, juicy, and sweet, and the easiest way to eat it off the tree is to suck it off. And it is probably the latest outdoor growing fruit of our climate (zone 5-6).

The mid green leaves are stiff, partly glossy, oblong-oval, and turn bronze-red and golden yellow in autumn. From mid spring until early summer it bears typically apple-like, white to pink-tinged flowers that are up to 5 cm across. They are self-fertile.


The tree has rounded or flattened crown. Medlar is not fussy about soil type provided it is well drained. It thrives in semi-fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline, moist soil in full sun where it grows at its natural speed and requires no pruning. Fully hardy to abt. -29°C (USDA zone 5), perhaps a bit more.

Last update 05-12-2016.