Description

Leaves: Alternate; simple; ovate; 2" to 4" long; deciduous; not lobed or toothed (entire); fairly thick; hairy; medium green above, paler beneath; petiole 1/3" to 1/2" long.

Twigs/buds: Twigs fairly stout, hairy at first, becoming smooth, brown.

Flowers/fruit: Flowers perfect, white to pink, 1-1/2" diameter, fragrant. Fruit a large pome shaped like a pear; yellow when mature; edible; 3" to 5" long; many seeds.

Bark: Information unavailable.

Wood: Information unavailable.

General: Shrubby tree native to central Asia (not Utah).  Valued for its large, edible fruit and as a small, flowering tree.  Shrubby or a small-tree.  Should be fairly tough.  Not supposed to be shade tolerant, but seems to be at least somewhat tolerant. Fruit and/or plant part can be nuisances; use fruitless varieties if possible.

Landscape Use: Seldom planted but could be planted more.  I saw a small one in bloom in late April in the Murray City Park arboretum doing well tucked under the edge of another small tree.  Flowers were nice, though not overwhelming.  Zones 5-8.

Cultivars: 'Orange', 'Pineapple', 'Smyrna'.

Characteristics