Pyrus syriaca

Pyrus syriaca, the Syrian pear, is a deciduous tree in the rose family, Rosaceae. Kew places its native range from the eastern Mediterranean to Iran. It comes from a temperate region and is not native to Britain or Ireland. In Turkey, it grows on dry, rocky slopes and along field edges. It also occurs in patches of remaining forest. These sites lie at heights of 1,640–6,560 feet [500–2,000 metres].

The tree reaches about 33 feet [10 metres] tall. It sheds its leaves for winter and flowers in April. Each flower has both male and female parts. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. Its fruit measures about 1.2 inches [3 centimetres] long. People can eat the fruit fresh or cook it. Plants for a Future gives its food value two out of five. That source lists no known hazards, but provides no detailed safety assessment.

Choose a sunny site for the best fruit crop. The tree can grow in light shade, but produces less fruit there. It prefers fertile loam that lets excess water drain away. It also grows in sand and heavy clay. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. The soil can be dry or moist. Once established, the tree withstands drought. It can also cope with excess moisture and polluted air. Plants for a Future reports hardiness to about 5°F [−15°C]. It lists USDA zones 6–9.

This pear can form part of the canopy in a woodland garden. Its edible crop gives it a further garden use. People grow it in parts of Europe. It has also escaped cultivation in some places in Hungary. Plants for a Future does not class it as weedy. The same source lists no known medicinal uses or other uses. The supplied accounts give no species-level details on pests or diseases.

Seed offers a way to raise new trees. Sow ripe seed in a cold frame in autumn. It may sprout during the middle or latter part of winter. Stored seed needs eight to ten weeks of cold treatment at 34°F [1°C]. Warmer conditions can cause seed to become dormant again. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them under cover in light shade for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer the next year.