This vigorous shrub to small tree has a short trunk with spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has large glossy dark green lanced-shaped leaves and the fragrant white saucer-shaped flowers appear in autumn followed by orange pear-shaped edible fruit.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10 

Eriobotrya japonica is naturally found from China to Japan growing in well drained fertile moist acidic soils that are organic rich but will tolerate alkaline soils. It prefers an open sunny position and is drought tolerant but is frost tender.

Loquat is a vigorous small tree that is grown for its editable fruit. It is planted in gardens as a small shade tree and is grown commercially for its fruit. It is also grown along borders as a quick screen or filler plant. Under optimum conditions it can self-sow and may become a weed. In cool climates it is grown under glass as a specimen with bright light and good ventilation and establishes in 1 to 2 years. ID 955

Eriobotrya (e-ree-oh-BOT-ree-a) japonica (ja-PON-ee-ka)

Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Rose Family