Wild Pear - Pyrus communis var. pyraster

Pyrus communis var. pyraster or Wild Pear Tree is a botanical species in our flora, very close to the common pear tree. This thorny tree develops a rather irregular but dense pyramid-shaped crown, which serves as a refuge for birds. In early spring, it is adorned with an abundant white flowering. The flowers are followed by small round pears, which are edible but lack any real taste. As a light-demanding species, the wild pear tree is preferably planted individually in a medium to large garden. It is also interesting in a free or defensive hedge, or in an orchard as a pollinator. It is not demanding in terms of soil type and can tolerate drought thanks to its deep root system. However, it will grow more easily in rich and moist soils, in sheltered areas in regions with harsh winters.

Like other botanical species in the Pyrus genus, the wild pear tree belongs to the large rose family. It naturally grows in the temperate zones of central and western Europe, in places where competition from other trees and shrubs is not too severe. It prefers loamy, deep, loose, and fresh soils, as well as sunny exposures. Its habit is generally pyramidal, irregular to asymmetrical (often "flag-like"). It has very slow growth but exceptional longevity, reaching a height of between 8 and 15m (26 and 49ft) and a spread of 4 to 7m (13 to 23ft) depending on the exposure and soil. Its branches are thorny, covered with a brown-grey bark. Its precious wood, heavy and dense, has a beautiful reddish color. It is highly valued for carpentry and sculpture.

The flowering of the wild pear tree occurs before leafing out, in April-May, in the form of corymbs or small clusters of single white flowers with red stamens, measuring between 2 and 3cm (1in) in diameter. The flowering is followed by the formation of numerous small round to pyriform pears, less than 3.5cm (1in) in diameter. At maturity in late summer, they are yellowish-green to orange in colour. They have a harsh taste, with firm flesh and a granular texture. They are mainly used to make delicious jellies or the famous pear cider called perry. The leaves, about 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) long, are ovate, alternate, glabrous, finely toothed, and borne on long petioles. Young leaves are slightly pubescent. The deciduous foliage, with a shiny dark green colour, turns intense red in autumn before falling.

Very hardy, Pyrus communis var. pyraster thrives in sunny locations and can withstand temperatures down to -20°C. Plant it in well-drained soil. It tolerates dry conditions and limestone soils very well. It is a good pollinator for early-flowering fruit pear trees. Its beautiful spring flowering, decorative small fruits in summer, and flamboyant foliage in autumn make it attractive almost all year round. It can be planted in an informal or defensive hedge, far enough from neighboring plants that could aggressively compete with it. It can be accompanied, for example, by large landscape shrub roses, botanical or climbing roses trained as shrubs, evergreen Viburnum, lilacs, and flowering crabapple trees. When space allows, wild pear trees planted in a large hedge on a slope bordering a sunken alley create a rather enchanting scene not only in spring but also in autumn, due to their sumptuous colours at the end of the season.