Pyrus salicifolia aka Willow Leaf Pear

Pyrus salicifolia, also known as willow-leaved pear or weeping pear, is a species of pear tree native to the Middle East. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree, usually as a pendulous cultivar. The tree is deciduous and typically grows to a height of 10-12 meters with a rounded crown, featuring pendulous, silvery foliage that resembles a weeping willow. During the spring, the tree produces large and pure white flowers with black-tipped stamens, while the buds are tipped with red. The small green fruits are inedible, hard, and astringent. Pyrus salicifolia grows well on infertile sandy soils due to its spreading root system. It is widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes and can be trimmed back and shaped almost like topiary during the rest of the year. However, this species of tree is very susceptible to fireblight, a bacterial pathogen. It may also be confused with other similar species such as Pyrus nivalis and Pyrus elaeagnifolia. The cultivar 'Pendula' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Additionally, willow-leaved pear can also be grown as a houseplant, with regular watering and direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. As a member of the Pyrus genus, willow-leaved pear is native to Turkey.