European Pear Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess' (C/d)
ABOUT
The 'Pitmaston Duchess' pear tree is a cultivated variety known for its attractive appearance and delicious fruit. The tree is adorned with glossy green leaves that are oval-shaped with pointed tips and finely serrated edges. During spring, it boasts a stunning floral display, with clusters of white blossoms that have a delicate fragrance. These flowers not only add to the tree's beauty but also attract pollinators to the garden. As the seasons progress, the flowers give way to the fruit for which the 'Pitmaston Duchess' is known. The pears are typically rounded to bell-shaped with a smooth, thin skin that can vary in color, often displaying a green to golden hue, sometimes with a blush of red on the side that gets the most sun. The flesh of the pears is creamy, white, and juicy with a sweet and aromatic flavor that makes them highly desirable for eating fresh or for culinary uses. The tree's overall appearance is robust and well-branched, creating an aesthetically pleasing form that is typical of pear trees.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Pitmaston Duchess Pear.
Common names
Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess'
ToxicityTo humans
The Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess', commonly known as pear, is generally considered safe for human consumption. The ripe fruit is widely eaten fresh and is also used in cooking. However, the seeds of the pear contain a compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized within the human body. Ingesting large quantities of crushed or chewed seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which may cause symptoms such as dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and rapid breathing. Severe cases could lead to more serious symptoms, including increased blood pressure, heart rate abnormalities, and, in extreme situations, could be fatal. That said, accidental ingestion of small amounts of seeds from a pear is unlikely to cause harm due to the low concentration of amygdalin.
To pets
The Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess', or pear, is not generally toxic to pets, and the flesh of the fruit can be a healthy treat for dogs and cats when given in moderation. However, similar to humans, the seeds should be avoided, as they contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when ingested. In pets, signs of cyanide poisoning include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. If ingested in large enough quantities, cyanide can be fatal to animals. Therefore, while pear fruit can be offered to pets in small, controlled amounts, it's important to remove the seeds to prevent any risk of cyanide poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-20 feet (3.7-6 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia, Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess', commonly known as pear, has decorative white blossoms that add aesthetic appeal to gardens in the spring.
- Fruit Production: It produces edible fruit that can be consumed fresh or used in various culinary dishes, jams, and preserves.
- Wildlife Attraction: The tree provides food for birds and other wildlife, especially when the fruit ripens and falls to the ground.
- Shade Provider: As a medium to large-sized tree, it offers ample shade which can be beneficial in landscape design for cooling or recreational areas.
- Pollinator-friendly: The flowers of the pear tree attract pollinators, such as bees, which is important for the health of the ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: The tree provides visual interest across multiple seasons, from spring blossoms to summer fruits and vibrant foliage in the autumn.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting - Wood from the Pyrus communis can be used for detailed woodworking projects, including inlays and small carvings, due to its fine grain.
- Natural Dye - The bark and leaves can be boiled to create a natural dye for fabric and yarns, with colors varying depending on mordants used.
- Woodturning - The wood can be used for woodturning to create artistic and functional pieces like bowls and pens.
- Landscape Design - The tree's attractive shape and foliage make it a popular choice for ornamental planting in gardens and parks.
- Agroforestry - Integrating the trees into agricultural lands can provide shelter and microclimate benefits for crops.
- Floral Arrangements - Branches with blossoms can be cut in spring for use in ornate and fragrant floral displays.
- Tool Handles - The dense wood can be used to create sturdy handles for various hand tools and garden implements.
- Engraving Material - The even texture of pear wood allows for fine engraving, making it suitable for detailed work such as printing blocks or decorative panels.
- Culinary Smoking - Wood chips of the pear tree are used to impart a sweet, fruity flavor when smoking meats and cheeses.
- Photography Props - The tree and its fruit can be used as aesthetic props for still life photography due to their pleasing textures and forms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pear Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pear Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: The Pyrus communis, commonly known as the pear tree, is often associated with abundance and prosperity due to its bountiful fruit production.
- Femininity: With its delicate white flowers and soft, rounded fruit, pear trees are seen to symbolize feminine beauty and grace.
- Longevity: Pear trees can live for many years and are thus symbols of long life and endurance.
- Love: In some cultures, the pear tree represents lasting friendship and romantic affection, possibly because of the tree's long lifespan.
WaterPear trees, including the 'Pitmaston Duchess', require regular watering to establish deep root systems, especially during the first few years and in dry conditions. Water young trees with about 2 gallons per week during the growing season. As the tree matures, it will need less frequent but still deep watering. During the peak of summer, it may require up to 4 gallons every two weeks, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Always ensure the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage proper root development and avoid shallow, frequent waterings that can lead to weak root systems.
LightThe 'Pitmaston Duchess' pear tree thrives best in full sunlight with at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this tree would be an open area with clear exposure to the sun, away from buildings or taller trees that could cast shade. Proper sunlight is crucial for flower and fruit development, so positioning the tree where it will receive ample light is key for a bountiful harvest.
TemperaturePear trees like the 'Pitmaston Duchess' can tolerate a range of temperatures but require chill hours to produce fruit. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F and summer temperatures up to 90°F. The ideal growing temperature for these trees is between 35°F and 85°F. It's important to plant them in a location where they will experience cold enough winters to fulfill their dormancy requirements for fruiting.
PruningPruning 'Pitmaston Duchess' pear trees is vital for maintaining tree health, fostering a strong structure, and enabling light penetration for better fruit yield. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation. Pruning once a year is usually sufficient, with additional minor corrective trimming as needed.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for European Pear 'Pitmaston Duchess' is well-draining loam with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend with compost and peat moss to retain moisture and provide fertility. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingEuropean Pear 'Pitmaston Duchess' trees require repotting every 2 to 3 years when young. Mature trees can be repotted less frequently, typically every 4 to 5 years, or as needed.
Humidity & MistingEuropean Pear 'Pitmaston Duchess' tolerates average outdoor humidity levels. It does not have specific humidity requirements, as it is adapted to outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, not direct; temperate spot; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun; shelter from wind; mulch; well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess', commonly known as the 'Pitmaston Duchess' pear, starts its life cycle as a dormant seed. Upon germination, typically in the spring, it progresses to a seedling stage where roots, shoots, and initial leaves develop. As it enters the juvenile phase, the plant gradually matures into a young tree with a growing canopy and starts the process of photosynthesis. Over several years, the 'Pitmaston Duchess' pear reaches maturity, at which point it begins to flower annually, typically in mid to late spring, with white blossoms pollinated by insects. Following successful pollination, the tree bears fruit, usually ripe by late summer or early autumn, which can be harvested when it reaches the desired size and sweetness. The tree then enters a period of dormancy during the winter, dropping its leaves and conserving energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter-Early Spring
Pyrus communis 'Pitmaston Duchess', commonly known as European Pear, is often propagated through grafting, a method that fuses the pear cultivar onto a compatible rootstock to combine the desirable traits of both. Grafting is usually carried out in late winter or early spring before the sap begins to rise and the trees come out of dormancy. A scion— a short piece of stem with several buds, taken from a healthy 'Pitmaston Duchess' pear tree—is spliced onto a rootstock, which is typically from a hardier, disease-resistant pear variety. The scion and rootstock are carefully joined together, ensuring that the vascular cambium layers overlap so they can grow together. The grafting site is then sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent dehydration and infection while the graft union heals over the following weeks.
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