Pyrus ussuriensis (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 12m
Eventual Spread: 8m
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Rosaceae
Pyrus ussuriensis is a medium sized deciduous tree with a rounded habit. Its glossy dark green leaves are ovate with serrulate margins, up to 10cm long and 6cm broad. Its leaves turn red/ purple/ yellow in autumn before they fall. Its white hermaphrodite flowers are up to 3cm across. Its green/ yellow fruit is a pome which is up to 3cm across and matures is autumn.
Pyrus ussuriensis, commonly known as Siberian Pear, Chinese Pear, Harbin Pear, Ussurian Pear or Manchurian Pear, is native to east Asia.
The etymological root of the binomial name Pyrus is the classical name for the Pear tree. Ussuriensis is from the Latin meaning ‘from Ussuri’, a river bordering Russia and China.
The landscape architect may find Pyrus ussuriensis useful as an attractive spring flowering tree with interesting leaf color in autumn. This is a suitable species of Pear tree for colder climates. This tree is tolerant of atmospheric pollution and once established this tree is moderately drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Pyrus ussuriensis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. The fruit of this tree is attractive to some birds and mammals.
Pyrus ussuriensis Flower (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Pyrus ussuriensis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Pyrus ussuriensis requires little maintenance.
