Pyrus commonis (pi’-rus kom-mu’-nis)
Family: Rosaceae, Rose

Key Steps

• 1b – Alternate leaf arrangement — go to 18
  • 18a – Leaf simple — go to 19
    • 19b – Thornless — go to 22
      • 22e – All leaves unlobed — go to 31
        • 31d – Leaf is oval or oblong (twice as long as wide) — go to 40
          • 40b – Leaf base symmetrical — go to 43
            • 43a – Leaf margin quite wavy; untoothed or slightly toothed — Pear

Description

Leaf: Finely toothed or smooth margin, to 3 inches long. Broadly oval. Dark green. Nearly hairless underneath. May have wavy margin. Glossy. Short pointed. Long petiole.

Bud: Usually brownish. Terminal bud large, hairy, cone-shaped, pointed, with two smaller side buds. Bud scales short, pointed.

Leaf Scar: 3 bundle scars.

Stem: Nearly hairless, yellowish-green, stout. Inconspicuous lenticels.

Bark: Dark brown to gray, thick, scaly with shallow ridges.

Flower: Clustered on spurs. Hairy flower stalk.

Fruit: Large 2-4 inches long, to 3 inches wide. Green to yellow, pome.

Habit: Oval, medium sized. To 30 feet tall.

Culture: Moderate moisture requirement.

Resources

• Identifying Broadleaf Flowering Trees and Shrubs, CMG GardenNotes #173
• List of trees in this key
• Glossary of Terms
• Front Range Tree Recommendation List
• Online CSU Extension publications on Tree and Shrub Selection