Flowering quince

Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai

Family: RosaceaeOrigin: NC State: native to China

Pet & Human Safety

People: Skin irritant to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

stems carry sharp thorns (NC State, Virginia Cooperative Extension)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

skin injury from thorns

Hazard route

skin contact

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no source makes a pet toxicity statement. NC State has no poison severity line for this plant.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 4 to 8 per Virginia Cooperative Extension
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 6 to 12 ft tall (1.8 to 3.7 m) and 6 to 10 ft wide (1.8 to 3 m). Virginia Cooperative Extension: about 10 ft tall and 12 ft wide.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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