Pyrus communis or European Pear (wild pear) is from the Rosaceae family. Native to central and eastern Europe and southwest Asia. The Pyrus is often found in large field, on the side road and close to villages. Standard trees typically grow to 25-30? (less frequently to 60?) tall. Although the early spring flowers are beautiful and the fruit is attractive, the Pyrus communis is normally grown only for its fruit crop and not as an ornamental. Aromatic, with 5 conspicuous petals, creamy white flowers in corymbs appear in early spring, March/April, on spur-like branchlets. Flowers give way to edible, pear-shaped fruits that ripen during the summer. Ovate to elliptic glossy dark green alternate leaves (to 4? long) have crenate to serrate margins. Shiny green above, when mature, paler and dull below, foliage turns shades of red and yellow in fall. The twig are a glossy brown to reddish brown, medium in texture, spur shoots present; terminal buds are medium in size (less than 1/4 inch), conical to dome shaped, and may be lightly hairy. Gray-brown to reddish brown bark, becomes grayish brown with shallow furrows and flat-topped scaly ridges. The Pyrus communis shape is typically quite upright and conical with very narrow branch angles. Hardiness zones: 4-8, (-32øC/-25øF, -10øC/15øF) in winter. Pears generally perform best in cool, dry climate. Best grown in well-drained, humusy loams, with medium moisture in full sun. Tolerant of heavy clays. Plant two or more varieties for best cross-pollination. Early spring flowers may be damaged by frosts.