What Kind of Pear Tree Do I Have?

Distinguish what type of pear tree grows on your property by looking at specific characteristics on the tree. It's easier to find out the species of pear tree if the tree has begun producing fruit, because different trees sprout pears with varying attributes. Mature pear trees that have been in the ground for four to six years bear fruit, according to the University of Rhode Island. People grow pear trees for fruit or ornamental features because not all pear trees produce fruit.

Abbe Fetel pear trees have deep green, oblong-shaped foliage with pointed tips. The Bradford pear tree has broad, flat leaves with several veins and a short stem attached to the tree. The foliage maintains a deep green color throughout most of the year and turn red in the fall before falling from the tree. Ambrosia pear trees have bright green, roundish foliage with pointed tips. Beurre pear trees showcase light to medium-green oblong and roundish foliage throughout the year. The Callery pear tree has large, heart-shaped, glossy foliage that grows on drooping branches. Asian pear trees showcase oblong, rounded or heart-shaped foliage with pointed tips. The Autumn Blaze produces deep-red foliage in the fall.

Abbe Fetel pear trees grow yellowish-green, bell-shaped pears and reddish pears on occasion. Asian pear trees grow fruit that has a round appearance and light off-white or gold color, depending on the species. The fruit looks white and gradually becomes darker as the fruit ripens. Bradford pear trees produce round-clustered fruit that is only about 1 inch long and pink when fully ripe. These fruits don't look anything like most traditional pears. Ambrosia pear trees showcase large sweet, yellowish fruit with a rounded bell-shaped button. Beurre pear trees produce round, pinkish-yellow pears. Callery pear trees grow round, 1-centimeter-long brown pears with speckles.

Some pear trees such as the Bradford pear showcase white clusters of flowers in the spring. Flowering pear trees are classified as ornamental species because these trees usually only produce small fruits or no fruit at all. The trees are grown for their flowering attributes. Callery pear trees showcase white, star-shaped blooms on thin branches. Many fruit-producing pear trees don't produce any flowers, but some many produce small white, purple or pink blooms in the spring. Ornamental pear trees such as the Cleveland Select, Autumn Blaze and Aristocrat don't produce actual pears.

Bradford pear trees have deep brown bark with many grooves and rough patches. Callery pear trees have dark, thin, smooth bark. Abbe Fetel pear trees have dark brown bark and thin branches. Ambrosia pear trees have brownish-red bark. Asian pear trees also have dark to medium brown bark and thin branches. The Cleveland Select pear tree has thin, medium brown bark. Autumn Blaze pear trees have light brown, thin bark. The Aristocrat pear tree has very dark brown bark that stands out against its white blooms.