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Pyrus communis 'Seckel'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
PY-russ kom-YOO-nis KOM-yoo-nis
Description

This easy-grown tree is very productive. It is cold-hardy and frost resistant. It also resists to Fire Blight and some other common pear diseases. Needs at least two cultivars to ensure adequate pollinating.

Site: Full sun. Slightly acidic, deep, heavy and moist well-drained soil.

 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Pyrus communis.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#edible plant#flowering tree#fruit tree#edible garden#pomes
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#edible plant#flowering tree#fruit tree#edible garden#pomes
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Pyrus
    Species:
    communis
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Edibility:
    It produces small-sized, yellowish-brown fruit. The fine-grained flesh is smooth, sweet and juicy. The aromatic and spicy taste makes it a great choice for spiced pears. It is also good for pickling and canning. Ripens in September.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Pome
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    It produces small-sized, yellowish-brown fruit. The fine-grained flesh is smooth, sweet and juicy. The aromatic and spicy taste makes it a great choice for spiced pears. It is also good for pickling and canning. Ripens in September.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    The white flower blooms in spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Orbicular
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Round, smooth leaves with serrated edges. More uniform than apple leaves and have more prominent veins.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Fissured
    Lenticels
    Scaly
    Bark Description:
    Similar to an apple tree; prominent lenticels that grow fissured and scaly with age.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Lenticels:
    Conspicuous
    Stem Description:
    Dwarf shoots on old wood. New stems are pointed.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Songbirds