JAPANESE LOQUAT
Eriobotrya japonica
FAMILY Rosaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
JAPANESE PLUM
See: all Eriobotrya
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by M. Ritter, J. Reimer
GENERAL INFO
This tree is known for its broad, evergreen leaves that provide year-round greenery. It produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in the fall, which eventually give way to small, yellow-orange fruits that are both decorative and edible. The fruits are sweet and tangy, often attracting birds and other wildlife. This tree thrives in sunny locations and can tolerate a range of soil types, making it a versatile choice for urban landscapes. Its dense foliage provides excellent shade and can act as a windbreak or privacy screen. With its attractive appearance and practical benefits, this tree is a popular option for adding a touch of the exotic to gardens and streetscapes.
Native range: Southeastern ChinaHorticultural use: ScreenSchoolyard Use: This tree has broad, glossy leaves with a leathery texture, making it ideal for teaching about leaf anatomy and plant adaptations. Its fragrant white flowers bloom in clusters, providing an opportunity to study pollination and plant reproduction. The tree produces small, edible fruits that can be used in lessons about seed dispersal and the role of plants in human diets. The evergreen nature of this tree ensures year-round greenery, useful for discussions on different plant life cycles.
Native range: Southeastern ChinaHorticultural use: ScreenSchoolyard Use: This tree has broad, glossy leaves with a leathery texture, making it ideal for teaching about leaf anatomy and plant adaptations. Its fragrant white flowers bloom in clusters, providing an opportunity to study pollination and plant reproduction. The tree produces small, edible fruits that can be used in lessons about seed dispersal and the role of plants in human diets. The evergreen nature of this tree ensures year-round greenery, useful for discussions on different plant life cycles.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: Rounded or VaseFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 30 feetCanopy Width: 15-30 feetGrowth Rate: ~36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OblongLeaf color: Dark GreenFlowers: Showy, FragrantFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: FallFruit: Large Orange or Yellow PomeFruiting time: Spring or SummerFruit Value: EdibleBark Color: Dark Gray, Exfoliating, SmoothLitter Type: Wet Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 6 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8, 9, 10Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: No known hazardsBiogenic Emissions: LowWildlife interactions: Attracts bees, birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Fire Blight, Armillaria, Root RotDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Armillaria, Root RotUtility Friendly: NoWCISA 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 japonica Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 1, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/509 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/509 >
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