Ussurian Pear
Pyrus ussuriensis
Ussurian 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
Photos
- Photo 1: "Pyrus ussuriensis - Arnold Arboretum - DSC06844" by Daderot is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en/.
- Photo 2: "Pyrus ussuriensis (Ussurian Pear) (34280104456)" by Plant Image Library from Boston, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Pyrus ussuriensis - Arnold Arboretum - DSC06845" by Daderot is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en/.
- Photo 4: "Pyrus ussuriensis kz03" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 5: (c) Carrie Seltzer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Carrie Seltzer
- Photo 6: "Pyrus-ussuriensis-flowering" by Sten Porse is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Fall color
- Red, purple, orange
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
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.
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 Pear good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Ussurian 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 Pear get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Ussurian Pear need?
- Give Ussurian Pear about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Ussurian Pear grow into?
- Ussurian 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 Pear hardy on the Front Range?
- Ussurian 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 Pear need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Ussurian Pear grow?
- Ussurian Pear is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Ussurian Pear live?
- Ussurian Pear has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Ussurian Pear turn in fall?
- Ussurian Pear turns red, purple, and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Ussurian Pear native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Ussurian Pear deer-resistant?
- No. Ussurian Pear is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Ussurian Pear prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Ussurian 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.
