'''Pyrus salicifolia''' is a species of
pear, native to the
Middle East. It is also widely grown as an
ornamental tree and is called by various common names, including 'Willow-leafed Pear', 'Willowleaf Pear', 'Weeping Pear', and similar. The tree is small and rounded, rarely reaching 10-12 meters in height and bearing pendulous, silvery foliage, superficially similar to a
weeping willow. The flowers are large and pure white highlighted with black-tipped
stamens although the buds are tipped with red. The small green fruits are not edible, being hard and astringent.
This tree is cultivated widely in gardens and landscapes. It grows well in low-quality sandy soils due to its spreading root system. The trees flower in the spring, but during the rest of the year can be trimmed back and shaped almost like
topiary. This species of tree is very susceptible to
fireblight, a bacterial pathogen.
''Pyrus salicifolia'' may also be confused with ''P. nivalis'' which is generally taller and hardly pendulous or with ''P. eleagrifolia'' which had broader entire leaves and longer petioles.
References
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