Plant Guide

Other Names:  European Pear

Description:

An important fruit tree from which many cultivars originate; firm green fruit, flushed with red in fall; showy white flowers in spring on an upright oval habit, very ornamental; needs a pollinator, fallen fruit can be messy; susceptible to fireblight

Edible Qualities

Common Pear is a medium-sized tree that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces green oblong pears (which are botanically known as 'pomes') with a red blush and white flesh which are usually ready for picking from late summer to mid fall. The pears have a sweet taste and a crisp texture.

The pears are most often used in the following ways:

• Fresh Eating
• Cooking
• Baking
• Canning

Features & Attributes

Common Pear is bathed in stunning corymbs of white flowers along the branches in early spring. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn outstanding shades of red and yellow in the fall. The fruits are showy green pears with a red blush, which are carried in abundance from mid summer to early fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up.

This is a dense deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy
• Disease

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Common Pear is sutiable for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
• Orchard/Edible Landscaping

Planting & Growing

Common Pear will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more. This variety requires a different selection of the same species growing nearby in order to set fruit.

This tree is typically grown in a designated area of the yard because of its mature size and spread. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.