This small deciduous tree has a fissured greyish-brown trunk with ascending slightly thorny branches and forms a compact rounded crown. It has glossy dark green leathery oval leaves and the small white saucer-shaped flowers appear in spring followed by pears.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Pyrus communis is naturally found from central and eastern Europe to south-west Asia and has naturalised in Great Britain. It grows in woodland margins forming thickets on the coast and inland. 

It prefers an open a sunny protected position and will grow in a partially shaded position but will not fruit readily. It prefers a well-drained organic rich moist light to heavy soil and is pH adaptable and is frosts and drought tolerant.

The European Pear is grown for its fruit, dense habit and autumn colour. It is planted in woodland gardens as a shelter belt or occasionally used as a specimen in parks and gardens. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 3-4 years and is long-lived. The fine-grained heavy wood is used for making musical instruments and cabinet making. ID 3531

Pyrus (PI-rus) communis (KOH-mew-nis) 

Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Rose Family