Asian Pear
Pyrus pyrifolia
Rosaceae · deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Pyrus pyrifolia (Rosaceae) is a deciduous fruit tree native to East Asia (China and Japan). It grows 15 to 25 feet tall with a rounded to spreading crown. White flowers appear in spring, followed by round, crisp, juicy fruit quite different in texture from the soft, buttery European pear.
Asian pear grows in full sun on well-drained soil. The fruit is eaten fresh when crisp (unlike European pears, which are harvested firm and ripened off the tree). Common cultivars include 'Chojuro' (russet skin, butterscotch flavor), 'Hosui' (golden-brown, sweet), and 'Shinseiki' (yellow-green, mild). Fire blight susceptibility varies by cultivar. Hardy in Zones 5b to 8b.
Quick Facts
Height
15-25 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Well Drained
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 5b–8b
Bloom Time
Mar 1-Apr 15
Fall Color
Yellow
Origin
East Asia (China, Japan)
Phenological Calendar
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Bud break BBCH 07 | Feb 20-Mar 25 |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | Mar 1-Apr 15 |
| Petal fall BBCH 69 | Mar 15-Apr 30 |
| Fruit set BBCH 71 | Apr 1-May 15 |
| Fruit ripe BBCH 81 | Aug 15-Oct 15 |
| Leaf drop BBCH 95 | Oct 15-Nov 30 |
Cultivars (3)
'Chojuro'
Brown Sugar Pear; Mid-season (Aug-Sep); Brown-yellow skin, sweet, crisp, excellent flavor; Self-fertile but produces better with pollinator; Chill hours: 300-400
Observed in maritime Puget Sound (Issaquah, WA, Zone 8b)
'Shinseiki'
New Century; Early (Aug); Yellow-green, very sweet, juicy; Chill hours: 300-350
'Hosui'
Butterscotch Pear; Mid-season (Sep); Yellow-brown, butterscotch flavor, excellent quality; Chill hours: 300-350