Pear
Pyrus spp. · European pear reference: Pyrus communis
A cultivated fruit tree with white spring flowers and rounded or necked fruits. Pear flesh is eaten fresh, dried or cooked. European, Asian and ornamental pear trees need to be distinguished.
Native range
Pyrus communis: Europe and western Asia. Other pear species have different origins.
Typical season
Late summer and autumn reference; cultivar and weather affect timing. Storage availability is not a picking calendar.
Identification
Use fruit, leaves, flowers and planting history together. Pyrus communis is a reference for European pears, not every pear tree. A pear-shaped fruit alone does not establish species or cultivar; ornamental trees may have very different fruit.