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(Pyrus salicifolia)
Willowleaf Pear (Pyrus salicifolia)
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Amada44
CC BY-SA 3.0
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CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo by: Amada44 | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Amada44 | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pyrus salicifolia, commonly known as Willowleaf Pear, is a deciduous tree native to the Middle East, specifically the arid regions of Western Asia and Turkey. It is a small tree, typically reaching heights of 10–12 meters with a rounded crown. The Willowleaf Pear is notable for its attractive, pendulous, silvery-gray foliage that resembles that of a weeping willow, hence its common name. The leaves are narrow and elongated, contributing to the tree’s graceful appearance. During the spring, it produces large, pure white flowers with black-tipped stamens, which are particularly showy against the silver foliage. The buds are tipped with red, adding to the ornamental value. Although it bears small green fruits, they are hard, astringent, and considered inedible.
The Willowleaf Pear is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to grow on infertile sandy soils, thanks to its spreading root system. It is widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes for its unique foliage and striking spring blossoms. The tree is often used in urban settings, as it can be pruned and shaped in a topiary-like fashion outside of the flowering season. It requires full sun for optimal growth and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it does need medium amounts of water, it is relatively low-maintenance once established. However, gardeners should be aware that Pyrus salicifolia is very susceptible to fireblight, a serious bacterial disease that can damage or kill the tree.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Willowleaf Pear is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to grow on infertile sandy soils, thanks to its spreading root system. It is widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes for its unique foliage and striking spring blossoms. The tree is often used in urban settings, as it can be pruned and shaped in a topiary-like fashion outside of the flowering season. It requires full sun for optimal growth and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it does need medium amounts of water, it is relatively low-maintenance once established. However, gardeners should be aware that Pyrus salicifolia is very susceptible to fireblight, a serious bacterial disease that can damage or kill the tree.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 15-25 feet
- Width: 12-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to arid regions of Western Asia and Turkey
Other Names
Common Names: Willow-Leaf Pear, Weeping Pear, Weiden-Birne, Weidenblättrige Birne, Poirier À Feuilles De Saule, Vitbladigt Päron, Silverpäron
Scientific Names: , Pyrus salicifolia, Pyrus argyrophylla, Pyrus salicifolia f. pendula, Pyrus salicifolia subsp. pendula,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pyrus salicifolia Pall.