Williams Pear Pyrus communis 'Williams' Bon Chrétien' (D/c)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the 'Williams' pear is recognized for its attractive appearance, typically cultivated for both its ornamental value and delicious fruit. It features a robust and sturdy trunk that supports a canopy of lush, glossy green leaves, providing a dense layer of foliage. These leaves are usually oval-shaped with pointed tips and have finely serrated edges. During the blossoming season, the 'Williams' pear erupts with a profusion of white flowers. Each delicate blossom comprises five rounded petals that radiate around a central cluster of stamens. These flowers not only add a decorative charm to the plant but also exude a subtle, sweet fragrance that can attract pollinators such as bees. As the growing season progresses, the flowers give way to the fruit for which the 'Williams' pear is most treasured. The pears themselves are typically large and possess a unique, bell-like shape that tapers to a rounded bottom. The skin of the ripe fruit has a smooth texture and often exhibits a gradient of colors ranging from green to a rich, golden yellow. Upon maturity, the flesh inside is juicy, buttery soft, and aromatic, offering a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that is highly sought after for both fresh consumption and culinary uses. The tree cycles through these stages annually, presenting an ever-changing display that is both eye-catching and fruitful.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Williams Pear, Bartlett Pear.
Common names
Pyrus communis 'Bartlett', Pyrus communis var. williamsii.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Pyrus communis 'Williams' Bon Chrétien' is Williams pear. This plant is not known to be toxic to humans when consumed as food. The fruit of the Williams pear is widely eaten, and there are no reports of toxicity from eating the fruit in normal food quantities. As with any fruit, overconsumption can lead to digestive discomfort.
To pets
Williams pear is not toxic to pets either. The fruit can be occasionally given to pets like dogs in moderation as a treat. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. Ingestion of these parts of the plant in large quantities could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. It is generally advisable to keep your pets from consuming these plant parts.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-20 feet (3.7-6 meters)
Spread
12-20 feet (3.7-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia Minor Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: Produces the 'Williams' pear, known for its sweet, buttery texture and juicy flavor, often used in cooking and baking.
- Ornamental Value: Attractive white flowers in spring and lush green foliage add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Provider: Can act as a natural shade canopy in gardens due to its size and leaf density.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Offers a habitat and food source for various birds and beneficial insects through its flowers and fruit.
- Pollination Partner: Aids in the pollination process of other plants and trees, especially other varieties of pear trees for cross-pollination.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, it absorbs CO2, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: The fruit of 'Williams' pear contains antioxidants which can help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Digestive aid: The fiber in 'Williams' pears can aid in digestion and help prevent constipation.
- Anti-inflammatory: 'Williams' pear has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Immune support: The vitamin C content in 'Williams' pears can support the immune system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- 'Williams' pear trees can be used in agroforestry systems, serving as a tall overstory layer that provides shade and wind protection to smaller crops underneath.
- The wood of the 'Williams' pear tree is sometimes utilized in woodworking for its fine grain, making it suitable for crafting small wooden items like kitchen utensils and decorative objects.
- Due to its dense canopy, the 'Williams' pear tree is often planted in landscapes to enhance privacy by forming natural green barriers or living fences.
- The blossoms of the 'Williams' pear tree can be a source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, contributing to local biodiversity and supporting pollinator populations.
- Young branches of the 'Williams' pear tree can be grafted onto other pear tree varieties to combine or improve characteristics such as fruit quality or disease resistance.
- Because of its attractive spring blooms, the 'Williams' pear tree is sometimes used as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens for aesthetic purposes.
- The 'Williams' pear tree's fall foliage, which can turn vibrant colors, is used to create visually appealing autumn landscapes in temperate regions.
- Leaves from the 'Williams' pear tree are sometimes used in compost piles as a carbon-rich material to balance high-nitrogen components and enhance soil health when the compost is applied.
- The tree's extensive root system can be advantageous for soil erosion control, as it helps stabilize the soil on slopes and in riparian zones.
- In rural traditions, parts of the 'Williams' pear tree, such as twigs and leaves, are used in various customs and ceremonies, including decorations for festive occasions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Williams pear is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Williams pear is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility: The Pear tree is often associated with fertility due to its lush fruit and is sometimes given as a gift to wish for the recipient's prosperity and fertility.
- Longevity: Pear trees can live for many years; thus, they symbolize long life and the continuity of existence.
- Peace: In some cultures, the Pear tree represents peace and tranquility, possibly because of its gentle and pleasing aesthetic.
- Comfort: The sweet fruit of the Pear tree can represent comfort and the offering of solace in trying times.
- Generosity: With abundant harvests of fruit, the Pear tree stands as a symbol of generosity and the sharing of abundance with others.
WaterWilliams Pear trees should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods without significant rainfall, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water per event for young trees and up to 10 gallons for mature trees. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water needs may increase, and it's essential to keep the soil consistently moist to support fruit development. In the winter, reduce watering frequency as the tree becomes dormant, but don't allow the soil to become completely dry.
LightWilliams Pear trees thrive in full sun exposure, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting the tree in a spot that has clear access to unfiltered sunlight will ensure proper growth and fruit production. Avoid planting in shaded areas as insufficient sunlight can lead to poor fruiting and increased susceptibility to diseases.
TemperatureWilliams Pear trees prefer a temperate climate and are hardy in a range of conditions. The ideal temperature range for this pear variety is between 35°F and 85°F. However, the trees can tolerate temperatures down to approximately -25°F and up to 100°F, though extreme temperatures may damage the tree or affect fruit production. Williams Pear trees require a chilling period during winter with temperatures between 32°F and 45°F to break dormancy and facilitate spring blooming.
PruningPruning the Williams Pear tree is necessary to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and to promote better air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Prune the tree during its dormancy in late winter or early spring, before the sap starts to flow. Remove any crossing branches, thin out dense areas, and cut back branches to encourage new growth and fruiting. Annual pruning also helps to improve the size and quality of the fruit.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWilliams Pear prefers well-draining loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Ideal pH for the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure healthy growth.
RepottingWilliams Pear, typically grown as a standard fruit tree, does not require regular repotting once planted in the ground, but young trees in pots may need repotting every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingWilliams Pear trees thrive best in outdoor conditions with average humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements when grown in their ideal climate zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; requires full sun, space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; prune yearly.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycle'Williams' Bon Chretien', commonly known as Williams pear or Bartlett pear, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring after stratification. The seedling develops into a young tree, which after a few years, will start to bud and flower as temperatures increase in late winter to early spring. Following pollination, typically by bees, the flowers fertilize and fruit begins to set. Over the summer, the pears grow and mature on the tree until they reach ripeness, which is usually in late summer or early fall for this variety. Once harvested, the fruit can be eaten fresh, canned, or processed, while on the tree, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months. With the return of warmer spring weather, the cycle starts anew with fresh budding and flowering, thus continuing the perennial life cycle of the Williams pear tree.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Williams pear, or 'Williams' Bon Chrétien', is through grafting. Grafting is typically done in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow and the trees come out of dormancy. In this process, a scion, which is a cutting from a mature plant with desirable traits, is inserted into a rootstock, which is a young, vigorous plant that provides the root system. The scion and rootstock are carefully cut to fit together and then bound until they naturally fuse over a period of several weeks to months. This method is favored as it ensures that the resulting pear trees maintain the characteristic fruit quality of the Williams variety.
