PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal wind exposure and salt spray
Watering
Water deeply during prolonged dry spells; established mature trees are drought-tolerant
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; withstands cool temperate climates, avoid extreme summer heatwaves above 32°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Heart-shaped (cordate) with serrated margins, glossy green turning reddish-orange in autumn
- Flower: Clusters of 5-petaled white blossoms with faint fragrance
- Fruit: Small, hard, spherical pears (edible but highly astringent)
- Stem/Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark, becoming fissured with mature growth
Care Guide
Watering
Water young trees weekly; established trees need supplemental water only during drought
Fertilization
Apply a layer of well-rotted manure or compost in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the cost of flowering
Composted eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin layer around the tree base in early spring; mix lightly into the top 2 cm of soil to avoid nutrient runoffPruning
- Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Remove suckers growing from the tree base to prevent overcrowding and redirect energy to the main canopy
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no adverse effects from ingestion of leaves, flowers, or fruit
Humans: No known toxic effects; ripe fruit is edible (though astringent)
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental tree for coastal gardens; fruit provides forage for native birds and wildlife
