BRONZE LOQUAT

Eriobotrya deflexa

FAMILY Rosaceae

SYNONYMS

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

GENERAL INFO

Bronze Loquat is more often planted than Japanese Loquat. Its shiny bronzy green new foliage with reddish highlights is quite attractive, and it rarely sets fruit. Large panicles of deep pink flowers are showy in the spring. It looks best with regular pruning to maintain its shape, and regular deep watering to promote healthy growth. It may require regularly scheduled light top-trimming (but not necessarily shearing) of vigorous top shoots to maintain its height below 25. It is not drought tolerant.
Native range: Taiwan and Southern VietnamHorticultural use: Screen or Espalier or HedgedSchoolyard Use: This tree has shiny, dark green leaves with a leathery texture, making it a good candidate for teaching about leaf structure and water conservation strategies. The leaves' glossy surface can illustrate how some plants reduce water loss. Small, white flowers appear in clusters and can be used to discuss pollination and flower anatomy. The tree produces small, round fruits that attract birds, providing opportunities to explore topics like seed dispersal and local wildlife interactions.

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: Rounded or VaseFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 25 feetCanopy Width: 15-25 feetGrowth Rate: ~36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OblongLeaf color: GreenFlowers: ShowyFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: SpringFruit: Medium Yellow or Mostly Green PomeFruiting time: SummerBark Color: Light Green, Exfoliating, SmoothLitter Type: Wet Fruit

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 8 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9, 10Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate

CONSIDERATIONS

Root Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: No known hazardsBiogenic Emissions: LowWildlife interactions: Attracts bees, birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Fire BlightDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Armillaria, Root RotUtility Friendly: YesWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 2, Approx. cross sectional area 2.24 sq. in.

External Resources

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Eriobotrya deflexa Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 30, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/508 >

Search Trees By Name

Trees can be searched by their common or scientific name.