Mespilus germanica

Medlar

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
8m 1
9m 5
11m 7
But depends on rootstock 9

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
Irregular crown 1
Rounded to spreading 3
4-8m wide 2

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Low (69 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Moderately dense 1

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Low 7 to moderate 9

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: 30-50 years 21

Management & Systems

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Orchard tree 8

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree: Very little pruning required 11

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Very little pruning required 56

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Late winter to early spring 2

Mespilus germanica/ Mel Etitis/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/deed.en

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: Fruits – raw (requires prior storage) or preserves 79

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp: –

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: –

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Various medicinal uses 9

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: Fruiting typically 3 years after planting 7

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: –

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Moderate – deep roots and low canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Relatively low
Medium-term (40 years): Very low
Long-term (60 years): Very low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Long-established introduction (archaeophyte) – denizen 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups: Likely moderate

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: May-Jun 1

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: Moderate to high 3

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: Risk of toxicity from seeds 27

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: None known

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Low to moderate
Can be affetected by hawthorn leaf spot, honey fungus, replant disease, powdery mildew 13, quince leaf blight, brown rot and powdery mildews 2
Minimal, but can be affected by fireblight 14

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Low 13
May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars 2
Largely pest-free 14

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer: Likely low