Description
Pyrus communis
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 PB8, approx 100 – 120cm high.
