Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear
Pyrus ussuriensis
Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. More cold hardy than P. calleryana.
low to medium water15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideXeric / water-wise
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Pyrus ussuriensis
- Variety / cultivar
- Ussurian: Prairie Gem, Mt. Frost
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Red, purple, orange
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessCold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight (bacterial)
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear need?
- Give Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear grow into?
- Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear hardy on the Front Range?
- Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Cold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
- How much water does Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear grow?
- Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear live?
- Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear turn in fall?
- Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear turns red, purple, and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear deer-resistant?
- No. Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Ussurian: Prairie Gem Pear can be affected by fireblight (bacterial). These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
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See also
Related trees
Pear, Bartlett, Early Gold, Golden Spice, Luscious, Parker, Summercrisp
Pyrus
Pear, Callery: Aristocrat, CHANTICLEER® (aka Cleveland Select), Autumn Blaze, Redspire
Pyrus calleryana
Pear, Jack'™
Pyrus calleryana
Pear, Callery: Capital, JAVELIN®
Pyrus calleryana
Callery - 'Bradford'
Pyrus calleryana
Maple, Rocky Mountain
Acer glabrum