Pyrus nivalis (Snow Pear)

Pyrus nivalis (Snow Pear) is an ornamental deciduous tree of broadly conical habit, noted for its elliptic, silvery-green leaves with white, velvety undersides. In spring, a profusion of five-petaled, creamy white flowers are draped in clusters along the branches. They bloom at the same time as the new leaves appear and are truly a sight to behold. They may be followed by small, spherical, greenish-yellow fruits that have a mild, sour taste and attract quite a number of birds who find them delicious. In the fall, the foliage turns bright shades of deep red. Prized for its three seasons of interest, Snow Pear makes a charming specimen tree for parks and gardens.

• Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 15-20 ft. wide (4-6 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in fertile, well-drained, or moist but well-drained soil. Tolerates dry conditions.
• No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, blister mite, bullfinches, caterpillars, codling moth, pear fruitlet gall midge, apple and pear canker, blight, pear rust, pear scab.
• Propagate by seed sown in a frame in winter or by grafting in winter.
• Pyrus nivalis species grows naturally from southeast Europe to western Asia.