Pyrus nivalis aka Snow Pear

Pyrus nivalis is the snow pear, also called alpine pear. This deciduous tree belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. It comes from Europe and Turkey, not Britain or Ireland. Its wild habitats include sunny slopes and dry, open woods. These habitats occur in southern Europe. Garden uses include informal planting, wildlife gardens and urban sites.

The tree has a sturdy frame and a broad, cone-shaped crown. Its branches spread and lack thorns. Garden height ranges from 26–39 feet [8–12 metres]. Its spread reaches 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. It takes 20–50 years to reach its full size. Young shoots have a dense coat of white hairs. The oval leaves look grey-green above, with white hairs beneath. The tree loses its leaves each year.

Clusters of white flowers open in spring. Each bloom measures about 1.2 inches across. Round, yellow-green fruit follows in autumn. RHS gives a fruit width of up to 1.6 inches. PFAF describes late-ripening fruit about 1.2–2 inches long. The pale shoots, grey leaves and blossom provide garden interest. PFAF also lists the tree for woodland garden planting.

Grow snow pear in full sun and fertile soil. Choose a sheltered spot with good drainage. A south-facing or west-facing site suits it. RHS lists clay, loam and sand as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Soil may stay moist, but it must drain well. RHS rates it H6, covering UK lows around −20 to −15°C. PFAF lists USDA zones 5–9. RHS includes it among low-maintenance garden plants. Sow seed outdoors in a seedbed during autumn. Other methods include chip budding in late summer and winter grafting.

Several pests and diseases can affect this pear. Pests include aphids, caterpillars, codling moth and pear blister mite. Pear midge and pear and cherry slugworm may also attack. Diseases include blossom wilt, brown rot, fireblight and pear scab. European pear rust can occur; honey fungus is a rarer risk. Sources disagree about eating the fruit. PFAF calls it edible raw or cooked, but sour. It reports use in cooking and in cider or perry. RHS instead warns that the ornamental fruit should not be eaten. Its warning covers both people and pets. PFAF reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. These conflicting accounts do not establish that the fruit is safe.