Pyrus nivalis (15/08/15, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Well drained
Eventual Height: 10m
Eventual Spread: 8m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Rosaceae
Pyrus nivalis is a deciduous tree with a broadly pyramidal habit. Its glossy mid green leaves are ovate with undulate margins, up to 9cm long and 4cm broad. Its leaves turn red/ yellow in autumn before they fall. Its grey/ brown bark is deeply fissured and plated. Its white hermaphrodite flowers are up to 3cm across. Its green/ yellow fruit is a spherical pomme and matures is autumn.
Pyrus nivalis Leaf (15/08/15, Kew Gardens, London)
Pyrus nivalis, commonly known as Snow Pear, is native to south east Europe to western Asia. In its native habitat it grows on sunny slopes and open woodland.
The etymological root of the binomial name Pyrus is the classical name for the Pear tree. Nivalis is from the Latin meaning ‘snowy’.
The landscape architect may find Pyrus nivalis useful as an attractive spring flowering tree with interesting leaf color in autumn. This tree is tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Once established this tree is moderately drought tolerant.
Pyrus nivalis Bark (15/08/15, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Pyrus nivalis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. The fruit of this tree is attractive to some birds and mammals.
Pyrus nivalis prefers fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It tolerates heavy clay soil.
Pyrus nivalis requires little maintenance.