Common Name: Golden Spice pear
Scientific Name:
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Pyrus
Species: P. ussuriensis 'Golden Spice'
Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7
Height: 15 to 20 feet
Width: 10 to 15 feet
Common characteristics:
This tree features showy white flowers in spring, good fall color and consistent oval shape; small firm yellow fruit that is lightly blushed and ripe in late August, best for canning and very resistant to fireblight.Golden Spice Pear is smothered in stunning clusters of white flowers with purple anthers along the branches in mid-spring. It has dark green foliage throughout the season. The glossy oval leaves turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall. The fruits are yellow pomes displayed in mid-fall. This variety requires a different selection of the same species growing nearby in order to set fruit. The furrowed brown bark is not particularly outstanding.
Where it grows:
Prefers to be planted in well-drained soils. Fertilize in the spring with an all-purpose fertilizer prior to new spring growth. Prune when young to create an open branching structure that allows for even light distribution of fruit.
How it’s used:
This makes for a great ornamental tree or harvest tree in your yard. This is a high-maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. The fruits are excellent to use for jams and jellies as well as canning.
Ecosystem services:
Birds and small mammals will utilize the fruit of this tree if not harvested.
Where it is native to:
The Chinese pear is native to Korea, Japan, and the Ussuri River region of Eastern Russia.
Problems:
Very resistant to fire blight. The fruit can be messy when planted near walkways.
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