Wild Pear Tree Gift

Description

The Wild Pear Tree (Pyrus communis) is a very pretty native tree. It is well-suited to a balcony, garden or part of a new native woodland planting.

Useful info about Wild Pear trees

Characteristics

Wild Pear has brown / blackish bark.

It has attractive, white flowers in clusters along with leaves that appear in spring.

This tree is of primary importance as a key native species and will create an important food source for a variety of wildlife.

The glossy, dark green leaves are around 4 – 9 cm long and broad.

Clusters of white, scented flowers are produced in mid-spring. They are followed by edible, pear-shaped, greenish yellow fruit that can be up to 10cm long.

Further Information

Wild Pear trees prefer light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. They require well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.

It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can also tolerate atmospheric pollution.

The seeds ripen in September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.

The fruit is often borne in abundance and is up to 35mm in diameter. It ripens in late summer to early autumn. It is rather hard and astringent at first, but bletts as soon as it falls from the tree and then has quite a good flavour, becoming soft and quite juicy.

It prefers a good well-drained loam in full sun. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates light shade but does not fruit so well in such a position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types if they are moderately fertile. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -15°c.

Uses

The fruit of the Wild Pear tree can be eaten raw but is often best when cooked.

A yellow-tan dye is obtained from the leaves.

DISCLAMER : Any uses for trees or tree extracts. whether edible or medicinal, have not been tried or tested by EFORESTS.CO.UK so please take caution and seek proper advice before attempting any recipes or medicinal extracts from any of the trees listed on our site.

Culture and Symbolism

Wild Pear trees are believed to represent longevity, abundance, fruitfulness, femininity, immortality and fertility.

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