Sand Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Pyrus pyrifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Hard and gritty. Firm crisp and juicy when fully ripe, they are eaten out of hand or used in fruit salads, pies or baked etc. The fruit is up to 3cm long. Up to 5cm in another report. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Firm crisp and juicy when fully ripe, they are eaten out of hand or used in fruit salads, pies or baked etc.; The fruit is up to 3cm long.; Up to 5cm in another report.

Habitat & North American Range

Warm rainy regions at elevations of 100 - 1400 metres in China. Naturalized in low mountains and around villages in C. and S. Japan. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)