Cydonia oblonga – Quince

Explore Cydonia oblonga (Quince) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Cydonia oblonga | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Quince

Family: Rosaceae

Appearance: A small deciduous tree with twisted branches, ovate leaves with a white felted underside, and large solitary pink to white flowers. Fruits are large, pear- or apple-shaped, with yellow skin and aromatic flesh that is typically hard and astringent when raw.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous

Layer: Small Tree Layer

Root System: Deep-rooted with strong lateral spread, tolerant of heavier soils

Height: 4–8 m

Width: 3–6 m

Lifespan: Long-lived (50+ years)

Growth Rate: Moderate

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other insects

Toxicity: Generally non-toxic; seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic compounds and should not be consumed in large quantities

Cydonia oblonga | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Western Asia, Iran, Turkey, and the Caucasus region

• Companionship: Grows well with other fruit trees and nitrogen-fixing shrubs

• Invasive Range: Not considered invasive

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5–9

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: 300–500

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance

• Drought: Moderate tolerance once established, but prefers consistent moisture

• Shade: Low tolerance – requires full sun for good fruiting

• Flood: Low tolerance – dislikes waterlogging

• Wind: Moderate tolerance, though fruits may be damaged in strong winds

• Maritime: Moderate tolerance – can grow in coastal climates with protection

• Air Pollution: Low to moderate tolerance

• Fire: Low tolerance

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Moisture: Moderate, prefers evenly moist soil

• Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained loam or clay loam

• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

Propagation

• Seeds: Can be grown from seed, though cultivars are usually grafted

• Cuttings: Hardwood cuttings and grafting commonly used for propagation

Cydonia oblonga | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Fruits used for jams, jellies, preserves, and flavoring; high in pectin and vitamin C

Medicinal: Traditionally used for digestive issues, sore throats, and anti-inflammatory purposes; seeds used in folk medicine as a demulcent (not to be consumed in large amounts)

Cosmetics: Fruit extracts sometimes used in skincare for soothing properties

Animal Feed: Fallen fruits can be fed to livestock in moderation

Fiber: Not used

Timber: Wood occasionally used for small tools and crafts

Firewood: Provides good-quality firewood

Wind Break: Not commonly used, but small trees can contribute to shelter plantings

Fence: Not suitable

Cover Crop: No

Mulch: No

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data

Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees and other insects

Pest Repellent: No significant pest-repelling traits

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators and fruits for wildlife

Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.

Explore our inspiring series and posts:

• Foundation

• Manual 

• Perspective 

• Design 

• Reads

• Plants

• Soil

• Climate

Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: