Willowleaf Pear (Pyrus Salicifolia)

Willowleaf Pear

Features and Characteristics

Pyrus salicifolia is a small, spreading, deciduous pear with willow-like, narrow, silver-gray leaves, hence the common name of willowleaf pear. It typically grows to 15-25′ tall with an oval-rounded habit punctuated by attractive drooping branches. Twigs are often thorny. This tree is native to woodlands, rocky plains, and hillsides in southeastern Europe and the Middle East. Lance-shaped to elliptic leaves (each to 3 1/2″ long and to 3/4″ wide) emerge silver gray in spring, but gradually turn silvery-green as the growing season progresses. Cream to greenish-white 5-petaled flowers (each to 3/4″ diameter) bloom in corymbs (6-8 flowers per corymb) in spring. Flowers are followed by pear-shaped fruits (each to 1 1/4″ long) which initially appear green but ripen to brown. Fruit is often sparsely produced. Fruit is of little ornamental significance and is basically inedible.

Genus name is the Latin name for pear.

Specific epithet comes from Salix (willow genus) and folia meaning leaf.

Care and Maintenance

Grow in average, moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions including heavy clay. Established trees tolerate some drought. Prefers cool summer climates, and generally will not perform well south of USDA Zone 7.

Willowleaf Pear (Pyrus Salicifolia) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 7
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

Susceptible to fireblight which can be a major problem, particularly in southern areas with warm and humid summers. Additional potential disease problems include anthracnose, canker, scab and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests include aphids, blister mites, caterpillars and scale.

Uses

Group or specimen. Early spring flowers, silvery foliage and attractive form lend year-round interest.

Willowleaf Pear (Pyrus Salicifolia) Details

Common name	Willowleaf Pear
Botanical name	Pyrus Salicifolia
Plant type	Tree
Family	Rosaceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 7
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Cream To Greenish-White
Flowering period	April - May
Height	15 - 25 Ft.
Width	12 - 20 Ft.