Medlar ‘Westerveld’

A modestly slow-growing small tree with a distinctive appearance, characterised by heavy main branches and an irregular, flat-topped crown. Its leaves are finely serrated and may be covered in soft hairs when young, turning reddish brown to deep golden yellow in autumn. The tree bears large, brown, hard fruits that are only edible when they begin to break down, typically after the first frost. ‘Westerveld’ produces slightly larger fruit than the species, ensuring a plentiful annual crop, and reliably yields fruit well-suited for making medlar jelly. Expect a bountiful harvest from October to early November. With its gnarled trunk reminiscent of an olive tree, the ‘Westerveld’ medlar, once an additive to beer before hops, brings a touch of medieval charm to any garden.