B Grade Ussurian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis)

1 Year Old Bareroot Seedling

‘Grade B’ plants are smaller seedlings that finished the season a bit undersized to be considered ready for field planting for many folks. They are healthy and alive, but a bit small (usually less than 8") and able to get lost in the weeds quickly. They can be field planted to their final homes if you are on top of  watering, mulching, and weeding. We recommend  planting them in a home nursery bed to grow for one full season, develop much larger root systems and be very ready for tougher conditions and less care next year. This is an affordable and sensible way to start small so you can go big with your plantings.

The Ussurian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) stands as an exemplary specimen within the pear species, demonstrating remarkable hardiness and resilience. One of the cold hardiest pears, it can withstand temperatures down to -40 or below (zone 3). In the springtime, it adorns itself with a profusion of white blossoms, creating a stunning visual display. As the seasons transition, it showcases a splendid array of autumnal foliage, all the while maintaining a consistent oval silhouette. The tree achieves a mature height of approximately 35 feet, with a breadth spanning 20 feet.

While the fruit it bears may not be of the highest eating quality, it proves excellent for canning purposes, as well as for the production of pear cider. The Ussurian Pear is capable of self-pollination, though the presence of a pollinator enhances fruit production significantly. Additionally, the tree exhibits a commendable resistance to fireblight.

Positioned optimally, the Ussurian Pear thrives in full sunlight, demonstrating adaptability to a range of soil types and pH levels. The tree’s ability to withstand urban pollution is key in making it an ideal candidate for inner-city planting. 

In terms of horticultural utility, the Ussurian Pear serves dual purposes: it acts as an excellent pollinator for other, higher-yielding pear varieties, and it functions admirably as a rootstock for grafting purposes or simply as a disease resistant cider pear.