What it is
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is in the Rosaceae (Rose) family. An evergreen tree that fruits in early spring before almost anything else. Common across the Texas Gulf Coast.
How to grow it
It wants full sun to part shade, water it low, and give it well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 20 ft apart. Expect roughly Bears in spring. Evergreen tree, frost-tender bloom.
How it's used
Loquat is used: fresh, jam.
🔎 How to identify it
- Large leathery toothed leaves, fuzzy below
- Fragrant white fall flowers
- Orange fruit in clusters
Edibility
PartsRipe fruit (not seeds)
UsesFresh, jam
CautionSeeds contain cyanogenic compounds — don't eat them.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.