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Summary
Physical Characteristics
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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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
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 :
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.
Expert comment
Author
Bunge.
Botanical References
11200266
Links / References
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Readers comment
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