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Pyrus betulaefolia - Bunge.

Common Name Birch-Leaved Pear
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Open slopes and plains from sea level to 1800 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - N. China.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Pyrus betulaefolia Birch-Leaved Pear


Pyrus betulaefolia Birch-Leaved Pear

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Pyrus betulaefolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Fruit  Leaves
Edible Uses: Tea

Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 105, 177, 179, 183]. The fruit is quite small, about 15mm in diameter[200]. Leaves - cooked[179, 183]. Flowers[2, 183]. Dried, powdered and made into cakes[179]. The dried leaves are used to make tea[179].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Cholera  Miscellany

The leaves are used in the treatment of cholera, colic and cramps[218]. The cooked fruit is used to treat mucous diarrhoea[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Miscellany  Rootstock

This species has long been used as a rootstock for the cultivated pears by the Chinese[11], it is recently also being used as a rootstock in N. America and in Europe[183, 200].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a good well-drained loam in full sun[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates light shade but does not fruit so well in such a position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types if they are moderately fertile[200]. Established plants are drought tolerant[200]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[200]. A fast growing tree[11].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, it will then usually germinate in mid to late winter. Stored seed requires 8 - 10 weeks cold stratification at 1°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible[200]. Temperatures over 15 - 20°c induce a secondary dormancy in the seed[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Bunge.

Botanical References

11200266

Links / References

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Readers comment

   Nov 17 2010 12:00AM

This is one of the best Rootstocks for Asian Pear or Nashi

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Subject : Pyrus betulaefolia  
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