Pyrus nivalis – Snow pear

Small tree with a round, loose crown made up of robust, vertical branches. Height 6 - 10 m, width 5 - 7 m. Young twigs are silvery white with hair. Older twigs are bare and turn darker, from grey to practically black. The trunk is also very dark grey to practically black. The twigs have no thorns. The oval to inverse oval leaves start out with white, velvety hair. They quickly change to glossy, greyish green. The underside of the leaf remains velvety white. The autumn colour is dark red. At the same time new leaves appear, the white, velvety flowers bloom in umbels. Diameter of flowers 2.5 - 3 cm. Yellowish green fruits follow in late summer. They have a tart taste. Particularly lovely solitary tree for parks and gardens. Requires direct sunlight. Tolerates dry conditions. The species name Pyrus nivalis is derived from the Latin word for snow white flowers that appear in early spring.