Seedling pear tree, an ancestor of the modern fruiting pear. Not grafted onto dwarfing quince rootstock like most commercially available pear trees, and therefore can grow to reach 10-15m tall, forming a columnar shape. In a food forest or forest garden situation this means these can be grown as a canopy tree with other fruit trees using the space underneath. Mid spring sees a great show of abundant white blossom which is extremely attractive to pollinators, followed by the fruit in Autumn, which is small (5-12cm long) and edible, but better cooked than raw, and will vary in quality from tree to tree. The tree itself can also be used as a rootstock, with other varieties grafted on top. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, and sun or part shade, as well as wind, and can be usefully used as part of a shelter belt. May be partially self-fertile but for good fruit set more than one tree is required, either another seedling, or named varieties Doyenne de Comice, Conference, Princess, or Winter Nellis may cross-pollinate.
Certified organic plant in PB5, approx 100 – 120cm high.