This deciduous tree is native to Europe and eastern Asia, and has been introduced throughout much of the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida, and as far west as Texas and Missouri. Common pear grows best in moist soils with at least partial sunlight, and can reach a height of up to 40 feet. Leaves are simple and alternate, although they appear to be clustered at the end of the branches, and measure 1½–4 inches long by 1–2 inches wide. The oval-shaped leaves are dark green and shiny on the topside and pale green on the underside. The tips of the leaves are sharply angled, and leaf margins, or the edges of the leaves, are serrated or toothed. The gray-brown bark of young trees is smooth and develops vertical, scaly ridges and channels that flake with maturity. The 1-inch-wide, white to whitish-pink flowers have five petals and are often confused with apple blossoms. In the fall, the 2½- to 4-inch-long, edible fruits ripen to a color ranging from green to brown.

Fact sheet: Baldwin Pear

Planted in Nassau County Extension Demonstration Garden