Chaenomeles speciosa

A dense, broad-rounded, deciduous shrub with often-tangled, spiny, gray-brown twigs growing 6-10’ tall. Scarlet to red, or sometimes pink or white, five-petaled flowers appear before the leaves fully unfold in late March - April. Flowers are followed by hard, dot-speckled, Finely-toothed, oval to oblong, glossy dark green leaves are up to 3.5” long.

Edible, yellowish-green fruits (quinces) are bitter when eaten fresh, but quite tasty in preserves and jellies.