Pyrus communis

Identifying Features

Common pear is a small to medium size tree, growing up to 60 feet tall.

This tree has gray-brown and scaly bark. Its leaves are alternate and simple, 1 to 3" long, and egg-shaped. They are round-toothed and nearly hairless, compared to the common apple that has hairy undersides on its leaves.

Habitat & Range

Common pears were introduced from Eurasia. They are commmonly found throughout North America as an ornamental and in abandoned orchards. It’s also found growing wildly.

Life Cycle

The fruit is a familiar pear shape, between 3 to 4" long, and green to yellow.

Featured image by James Dake.