// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Stern's medlar

Mespilus canescens

Stern's medlar (Mespilus canescens) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 6b–8a. Blooms May–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to AR
USDA hardiness: Zones 6b–8a
Mature size: —
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: May–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Stern's medlar (Mespilus canescens) — *Mespilus canescens* — Stern's medlar. Photo by Plantdrew via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, stern's medlar pairs naturally with: American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), American Gooseberry (Ribes missouriense), American Hazelnut (Corylus americana).