Hello - Can anyone help me identify this tree? Can we eat the fruit? The squirrels seem to! The tree blossomed recently (March). How long will the fruit stick around? Thanks! leaves and yellow fruit ( photo / image / picture from marysilver's Garden ) leaf close-up ( photo / image / picture from marysilver's Garden )
I'm thinking it's a Eriobotrya japonica also known as Loquat. You might take one of the fruit and a leaf to a local nursery to see if they can definitely ID it for you.
Thank you Thank you both - I will look that up and bring a sample to a nursery. Does anyone have an opinoin if I should keep this tree? It really makes a mess, so I must admit I am considering cutting it down....
I've only had the fruit once... as a jelly. And it was pretty good. A co-worker recently gave a few of us sprouts from her tree. She says she usually just mows them down, but thought she'd share a few. I haven't decided on whether I want to plant it or not. I'm just not thrilled about cleaning up after it and worrying about sprouts. But it might be worth it just for the fruit.
Agreed! On the fence I agree with you - not sure if I want to keep mine either. It does provide good shade and privacy in front of our house, but I don't like the idea of feeding all the little critters I am always trying to get rid of. I don't think I would make a jelly either. I did not know about the sprouting problem- good to know I'll keep an eye out for that!
