Pyrus pyraster

Pyrus pyraster or Wild pear tree is a fairly rare wild species, closely related to the common pear tree. This medium-sized tree forms a rather irregular, sometimes asymmetrical, pyramid-shaped crown. It has a very slow growth and exceptional longevity, reaching approximately 15 m (49ft) in height at maturity. In early spring, it is adorned with a charming white flowers, dotted with red stamens. The flowers are followed by small, round, yellow-green pears. Being a light-demanding species, the wild pear tree is preferably planted in isolation, in a medium to large-sized garden. It is also interesting to grow in an orchard, to help with pollination of other trees. It is not picky about soil type, tolerating drought thanks to its deep root system, although it will grow more easily in rich and moist soils, in sheltered areas in regions with harsh winters.

The wild pear tree, like other botanical species of the genus Pyrus, belongs to the large Rosaceae 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 usually reaches between 12 and 15 m (39 and 49ft) in height and 4 to 7 m (13 to 23ft) in width. Its branches are thorny, covered with a brownish-gray bark. Its precious wood, heavy and dense, has a beautiful reddish color. It is highly prized for woodworking and sculpture.

Flowering occurs before the leaves emerge, in April-May, in the form of corymbs of single, white flowers with red stamens, measuring between 2 and 3 cm (1in) in diameter. The flowering period is followed by the formation of numerous small, round pears, less than 3.5 cm (1in) in diameter. Ripe in late summer, they are yellow-green to brown. They have a bitter taste and a granular texture. They are mainly used to make delicious jellies or a famous pear cider called Poiré. The leaves, about 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) long, are ovate, alternate, glabrous, finely dentate, and carried on long petioles. Young leaves are slightly pubescent. The shiny dark green foliage is deciduous and becomes intensely red in autumn.

Hardy, Pyrus pyraster thrives in sunny locations and can withstand temperatures down to -20 °C (1°F). Plant it in well-drained soil. It tolerates dry conditions as well as lime-rich soils. It is a good cross-pollinator for other early-flowering fruit pear trees. Its beautiful spring flowering, decorative small fruits in summer, and fiery foliage in autumn make it attractive almost all year round. It will feel at home in a medium to large-sized garden, in a natural hedge, accompanying, for example, large garden roses or climbing roses trained as bushes, evergreen Viburnums, and lilacs. When space allows, wild pear trees planted in a large hedge on a slope bordering a sunken path create a rather magical scene not only in spring but also in autumn, due to their sumptuous colours at the end of the season.