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Cultivated Pear

Pyrus communis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Rosales
Family:
Rosaceae (Rose)
Also in this family:
Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tibetan Cotoneaster, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry
Type:
Deciduous tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
6 metres tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, hedgerows, meadows, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
In clusters, white, 5 petals, up to 1.5cm. Anthers reddish-purple.
Fruit:
Pears. Just like apples, the pear is a type of fruit known as a pome. Maximum size is 4 inches long.
Leaves:
Oval to elliptical with sharp tips. Finely toothed margins. The leaf can reach 4 inches in length.
Aroma:
Flowers are pungent.
Other Names:
Common Pear, Domestic Pear, European Pear, Wild Pear.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Pyrus communis, also known as the common pear, is a deciduous tree in the family Rosaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated for its edible fruit. The tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a spreading, round shape. The leaves are glossy green, and the flowers are small and white, they usually bloom in early spring before leaves appear. The fruit is a pyriform, juicy and sweet, with a green, yellow or red skin. Pears are eaten fresh, canned, or cooked and are used in a variety of dishes such as pies, jams, and chutneys. They are also used to make perry, a fermented alcoholic beverage made from pear juice. Pyrus communis is a hardy tree and adaptable to different soils and climates, it is also a popular ornamental tree for its beautiful blossoms and for its fruit.

Blog

The cultivated pear, Pyrus communis, is a beloved fruit that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. With its sweet and juicy flesh, the pear is a popular addition to many desserts, and is often eaten fresh as a healthy snack. In this blog post, we will explore the history, cultivation, and health benefits of the cultivated pear.

History of the Cultivated Pear

The pear has been cultivated for thousands of years, and its origins can be traced back to ancient China and Europe. The Romans were known to have grown several different varieties of pears, and the fruit was highly valued by European royalty during the Renaissance. Pears were brought to North America by European colonists in the 17th century, and the fruit has since become a staple of the American diet.

Cultivation of the Cultivated Pear

The cultivated pear is typically grown on trees that can reach up to 40 feet in height. The trees prefer cool temperatures and require a period of dormancy in the winter in order to produce fruit. Pears are typically harvested in late summer or early fall, when the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked.

There are many different varieties of cultivated pears, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some popular varieties include Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, and Comice. Pears can be eaten fresh, cooked in desserts or savory dishes, or preserved in jams and jellies.

Health Benefits of the Cultivated Pear

The cultivated pear is not only delicious, but it also offers a range of health benefits. Pears are a good source of fiber, which can help to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. They also contain vitamin C, which can boost the immune system and protect against illness.

In addition, pears are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Some studies have also suggested that eating pears may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cultivated pear is a beloved fruit with a rich history and a range of health benefits. Whether eaten fresh, cooked, or preserved, pears are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. So the next time you reach for a snack, consider reaching for a juicy and delicious cultivated pear.


Facts

Here are a few more interesting facts and information about the cultivated pear:

  • Pears are a member of the rose family, along with apples, peaches, and strawberries.

  • The texture of pears can range from firm and crunchy to soft and juicy, depending on the variety and ripeness.

  • Pear trees can live for up to 75 years, and some have been known to live for over 200 years.

  • The term "pear-shaped" is often used to describe a body shape where the hips and thighs are wider than the waist, which is said to resemble the shape of a pear.

  • Pears can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months, or at room temperature for up to five days.

  • In addition to their nutritional benefits, pears are also low in calories, with a medium-sized pear containing around 100 calories.

  • Pears can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet desserts like pear tart and pear crisp, to savory dishes like pear and blue cheese salad or pork tenderloin with pear sauce.

  • Some popular pear varieties have interesting names, such as the D'Anjou pear, which is named after a region in France, and the Bartlett pear, which is named after a horticulturist in Massachusetts.

Overall, the cultivated pear is a versatile and delicious fruit that is enjoyed by people around the world. Whether eaten fresh or cooked, pears are a healthy and tasty addition to any meal or snack.


Continuation of the blog

The cultivated pear, Pyrus communis, has a long and interesting history, with origins in ancient China and Europe. The fruit was highly valued by European royalty during the Renaissance, and was brought to North America by European colonists in the 17th century. Today, pears are a popular fruit around the world, and come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and flavors.

Cultivating the cultivated pear requires a cool climate and a period of dormancy in the winter in order to produce fruit. Pears are typically harvested in late summer or early fall, when the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked. Some popular pear varieties include Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, and Comice, each with its own unique flavor and texture.

Pears are not only delicious, but they also offer a range of health benefits. Pears are a good source of fiber, which can help to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. They also contain vitamin C, which can boost the immune system and protect against illness. In addition, pears are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals, and may also help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Pears have a unique texture that sets them apart from other fruits. They can range from firm and crunchy to soft and juicy, depending on the variety and ripeness. When selecting pears, it's important to look for ones that are firm but not too hard, and that have a smooth skin free of bruises or blemishes.

Pears can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months, or at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to speed up the ripening process, you can place pears in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple, which will release ethylene gas and help the pears to ripen more quickly.

Pears can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet desserts like pear tart and pear crisp, to savory dishes like pear and blue cheese salad or pork tenderloin with pear sauce. Pears can also be preserved in jams, jellies, and chutneys, which can be enjoyed year-round.

Some popular pear varieties have interesting names, such as the D'Anjou pear, which is named after a region in France, and the Bartlett pear, which is named after a horticulturist in Massachusetts. In addition to these well-known varieties, there are also many heirloom and rare pear varieties that are prized by fruit enthusiasts and chefs.

In conclusion, the cultivated pear is a delicious and nutritious fruit that has a rich history and a range of culinary uses. Whether eaten fresh or cooked, pears are a versatile and healthy addition to any diet. So the next time you're looking for a snack or a new ingredient for your favorite recipe, consider reaching for a juicy and flavorful cultivated pear.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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