| Name |
Prunus
- Pyrus Salicifolia - Silver Frost |
| Cultivation |
Prefers
a good well-drained loam in full sun. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates
light shade but does not fruit so well in such a position. Tolerates atmospheric
pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types if they are moderately
fertile. Established plants are drought tolerant. The dormant plant is very
frost resistant. A very ornamental plant. Is not frost tender. It is in
flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers
are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated
by Insects. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay)
soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant
prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade
(light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate
drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution. |
| Family |
Rosaceae |
| Genus |
Pyrus |
| Synonyms |
Scientific
Name: Pyrus salicifolia Pall.
Pyrus Salicifolia, Silver Frost, Weeping Willow Leafed Pear |
| Known
Hazards |
None
Known |
| Range |
S.E.
Europe to W. Asia. |
| Height |
15
feet to 25 feet tall (4.5 m-7.5 m), 10 feet to 15 feet in spread (3 m-4.5
m) |
| Habitat |
Dry
stony sites, forest edges
Woodland Garden; Secondary; Sunny Edge; |
| Characteristics |
Willow-leaved
pear is a small, oval-rounded, ornamental pear tree which typically reaches
only 10-15' tall and features silvery, weeping foliage. Foliage emerges
silver in spring but gradually turns silvery green as the growing season
progresses. Weeping form provides excellent winter interest. Pink-tipped
buds open to creamy white flowers in dense corymbs in early spring. Flowers
are followed by small, greenish-yellow pears (to 1.5" long) which are
of little ornamental significance or practical value. This cultivar is very
similar to P. salicifolia 'Pendula' and may in fact be identical. |
| Edible
Uses |
Edible
Parts: Fruit.
Fruit - raw or cooked.
The fruit is about 2 - 3cm long. Harsh and of no value. The fruit is nice
when it has been bletted. |
| Medicinal
Uses |
None
Known |
| Other
Uses |
Oil;
Soil stabilization.
Plants have extensive
root systems and can be used for binding sands |
| Propagation |
Seed
- best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, it will
then usually germinate in mid to late winter. Stored seed requires 8 - 10
weeks cold stratification at 1°c and should be sown as early in the
year as possible. Temperatures over 15 - 20°c induce a secondary dormancy
in the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are
large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or
greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early
summer of the following year. |
| Cultivars |
|