Identification:
Leaves—round, smooth with serrated edges
Twigs—glossy brown to reddish-brown, medium in texture, spur shoots present, medium-sized terminal buds, conical to dome-shaped, and maybe slightly hairy
Flowers—5 white petals and purple anthers, borne in clusters
Fruit—pears with a classic pear shape, widest toward the tip and narrow toward the stalk
Bark—similar to an apple tree; prominent lenticels that grow fissured and scaly with age
Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.
Natural History:
Lifespan—250 years
General description—A fruit-bearing tree that's beloved for its incredible fruit that is so sumptuously sweet.
Natural distribution and habitat—Native to southern, central, and western Europe and grow best in light, deep soil in a mild climate
Conservation status—Least Concern (LC)
Uses—The light brown wood has been used for tool handles, wood carvings, and drawing instruments. In France, wood has been prized for manufacturing furniture.