Pyrus ussuriensis aka Chinese Pear

Pyrus ussuriensis is a deciduous tree in the rose family. Its range includes northern and eastern China, Korea, and northern Japan. It also grows wild in the Russian Far East. Common names include Chinese Asian pear and Chinese sand pear. Chinese white pear and snow pear are other names. It comes from temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This fast-growing tree has an upright form with spreading branches. The RHS describes trees reaching about 49 feet [15 metres] tall. Its size category starts above 39 feet [12 metres]. The listed spread exceeds 26 feet [8 metres]. These figures describe a large tree that needs ample space. It takes about 10–20 years to reach maturity. Deep green leaves fall each year. Before they drop, they turn red and gold in autumn.

White flowers appear in spring, followed by small, hard pears. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering periods from March through June. The fruit serves an ornamental role rather than a food crop. The RHS warns people not to eat these pears. It gives the same warning for pets. It also advises gloves and other protection when handling the plant. Do not treat this tree as an edible pear.

Grow it in full sun with soil that drains well. The RHS accepts moist soil as well as well-drained sites. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it for dry soil. It can grow in chalk, clay, loam, or sand. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Sites may face any direction and be exposed or sheltered. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H6. Chicago lists USDA zones 3–6. Seed is a listed means of propagation.

This pear can serve as a specimen or street tree. Chicago also lists screens and hedges among its landscape uses. The RHS suggests informal gardens and plantings that stress its form. Spring flowers and autumn leaf colour provide seasonal interest. Several pests may attack it, including aphids, caterpillars, and codling moth. Pear blister mite and pear midge may also occur. Pear and cherry slugworm is another listed pest. Possible diseases include brown rots and European pear rust.