Two species of of this small genus of low to medium sized, somewhat thorny shrubs and hybrids between them (Chaenomeles xsuperba (Frahm) Rehder) are frequently cultivated in Michigan for their showy flowers appearing just before or with the leaves in spring. They have large, hard , smooth fruits that can be used in the same fashion as the European or common quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), which however, has fruits that are even larger and finely hairy, entire leaves.

1. Young twigs hairy, becoming warty after the hairs are shed.

C. japonica

1. Young twigs glabrous, never becoming warty.

C. speciosa