Identifying a Bush with Apple-Like Fruit: Flowering Quince vs Other Options

Gardeners are often surprised when an unknown bush in their landscape suddenly produces fruit resembling small hard apples. This phenomenon is typically caused by flowering quince (Chaenomeles species) – an old-fashioned deciduous flowering shrub. But other plants can also produce apple-like fruit. This article explores how to identify a mystery bush with apple-shaped fruit and flowers.

Key Features of Flowering Quince

Flowering quince (Chaenomeles spp) is the most common source of apple-like fruit on an ornamental shrub Distinctive features include

• Deciduous bush growing to about 5 feet tall and wide

• Tangled, thorny stems emerging from the base

• Leaves are simple, alternate, and dark green

• Clusters of 5-petaled flowers in spring, ranging from white to pink to ruby red depending on variety

• Hard, apple-shaped fruit 1-2 inches across ripening in late summer or fall

• Fruits are too hard and tart for human consumption but can be made into jelly

• Requires little care other than pruning after flowering

• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and drought

Flowering quince is a very old garden favorite that was popular in American Colonial times but is less common in modern landscapes. When found, it is often near old homesteads.

Alternatives for Apple-Like Mystery Fruit

While flowering quince is the most likely source of apple-like fruit on a landscape shrub, two other possibilities also exist:

Chinese Quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis)

• Deciduous shrub growing to 15 feet tall and wide

• Simple, alternate leaves with serrated margins

• Clusters of white or pink 5-petaled flowers in spring

• Fruits mature in fall as large, hard, yellowish-green fruits resembling quince or lumpy apples

• The tart fruits can be eaten cooked or made into preserves

Oregon Crabapple (Malus fusca)

• Compact deciduous tree growing 15-30 feet tall

• White or pink flowers resemble apple blossoms

• Small (1-2 inch) bitter greenish-yellow crabapples form in clusters

• Native to western North America from California to British Columbia

• Fruits often persist on the tree dried through winter

How to Positively Identify the Mystery Shrub

To determine whether an unknown apple-fruited shrub is flowering quince vs. another species, look closely at other features:

• Growth habit – Flowering quince is a tangled, thorny shrub about 5 feet tall while Chinese quince and Oregon crabapple form larger trees.

• Leaf shape – Flowering quince has simple, elliptical leaves. Oregon crabapple has oval serrated leaves while Chinese quince has leaves deeply lobed somewhat like oak leaves.

• Flower details – The five petals of flowering quince flowers have fringed (jagged) edges while Chinese quince flowers have smoother petal margins.

• Fruit stem – Flowering quince fruits attach directly to the woody branches while fruits of Chinese quince and Oregon crabapple have a noticeable fruit stem.

Pay attention through the seasons to gain more clues through changing growth stages. Proper identification will provide insight on how to care for and utilize your mystery fruiting bush. With attention to details, you can get to the bottom of your landscape oddity!