Birch-leaved Pear Tree - Pyrus betulaefolia [2]
Rose Family: Rosaceae
Height: 25 feet / USDA zones hardy to 5
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  Birch-leaved Pear Tree
Leaflets are a shining mid-green with a finely serrate margin
Pyrus communis pear cultivars are self-incompatible, hence in these orchards inter-fertile cultivars have to be planted. Parry (1976) and Kurennoi (1985) screened the following Pyrus species as potential pollinators: Pyrus amygdaliformis, P. longipes, P. nivalis, P. salicifolia P. betulaefolia, and P. syriaca.

At the INRA Angers Research Unit research into pollinators for pear varieties was initiated in 1990. A selection from Pyrus betulaefolia, the P337-41 clone, was subsequently selected as the best candidate. This genotype exhibits very abundant flowering, and a regular and extended blooming period. The latter covers the blooming time for early to late pear varieties. The clone P337-41 originating from Pyrus betulaefolia is recommended as a pollinator for the main varieties grown in France: ‘Williams’, ‘Conférence’ and ‘Doyenné du Comice’. [1]
Birch-leaved Pear Tree
Birch-leaved Pear Tree Morton Arboretum acc. 38-85-2, from planting, is 24 years old [2]

This attractive flowering ornamental pear selection has fine birch-like leaves that dance in the slightest breeze. An excellent choice of small growing foliage tree for parks, gardens and streetscapes.
Height: 7 meters
Width: 4.5 meters
Growth rate: Moderate
Habit: Ovate to broadly pyramidal, with a well formed crown.
Foliage: New growth emerges as silvery-grey, and soon matures to a shining mid-green with a finely serrate margin. Leaves have longish petioles and hang on slender branchlets. Yellow in autumn.
Flowers: Numerous white flowers with bright purplish-red stamens are produced in groups of eight to ten. Observed to bloom later than most other ornamental pears in some regions of Australia.
Fruit: Russet colored globose fruits. Inedible.
Tolerances: Adaptable to a wide range of site conditions including quite dry conditions, slightly alkaline soils and air pollution. Able to handle intermittently wet, heavy soils.
Comments: Best in full sun. Proving to be a tough and durable ornamental pear, smaller and markedly different in form, color and texture to most Pyrus cultivars currently available in Australia.

 

Birch-leaved Pear Tree
Birch-leaved Pear Tree - Pyrus betulaefolia May 4, near Chicago

References
  1. M. Le Lezec, A. Belouin, M.H. Simard, SELECTION FROM PYRUS BETULAEFOLIA AS A NEW POLLINATOR FOR THE MAIN PYRUS COMMUNIS CULTIVARS
  2. Birch-leaved Pear, Morton Arboretum acc. 38-85-2, photographed May 5th, 2009

 

              
 
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