| General Description | A tree of medium to moderate growth rate that is
often found with branches beginning low on the trunk, which lead up
to and create the full, circular crown. Very effective when used for
shade or ornamental purposes. |
| ID Characteristic | This tree has many prominent white flowers in the
spring, and colourful fruit that carry on through the winter months. |
| Shape | A circular crown that is quite sturdy, with outspread branches
that seldom need pruning. |
| Landscape | Used for aesthetic and decorative
characteristics, especially during the winter months where condensed
branching and bright fruit provide interest and food for birds. In
the spring, sweet-scented flowers are also attractive to passing
pollinators. While the fruit is not palatable when consumed raw,
they can be incorporated into various recipes. May also serve well as
a shade tree. |
| Propagation | Budding is to be done in the summer months, grafting in
the winter. Root, seed and softwood cuttings are common, as well as
tissue culture. A 2-3 month stratification period at 3-5°C is required before
germination. |
| Cultivation | For optimal production of flowers and fruit, full sun is
required, along with a moist soil that allows for drainage. A soil pH
of 5.0-6.5 is ideal, though found to be quite compliant with a range
of soil types. Will tolerate a harsh winter. |
| Pests | Can suffer from apple scab, powdery mildew, and
fireblight, as well as aphids. |
| Notable Specimens | Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Can be found in meadows or groves in the northern temperate areas of Asia, North America and Europe. |
| Bark/Stem Description | The trunk is rough and brown, can display reddish hues, branches can be grey. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Pinkish in colour, forms singular 3-6 mm buds that bloom in the spring. |
| Leaf Description | Deciduous green leaves that are pointed at the tips, serrated, and occasionally covered in fine hairs along the centre vein. Approximately 2-8 cm long and 1-6 cm wide. |
| Flower Description | Approximately 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter, usually white but sometimes cream coloured, fragrant, and quickly shed. |
| Fruit Description | Small and circular, 1 cm in diameter, ranging from yellow to red to orange, sometimes having a mixture of said colours. Lasting throughout the winter, the fruit will attract birds and squirrels. |
| Colour Description | The leaves of this tree are green, with a slightly lighter shade of green on the undersides. In autumn the leaves turn yellow, but fail to leave any spectacular impression. |
| Texture Description | Leaves and petioles range from smooth to pubescent, usually becoming rid of the fine hairs with maturity. |
