Nashi pear (Asian pear) Pyrus pyrifolia
Nashi pear (Asian pear) (Pyrus pyrifolia) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Rosaceae family, native to China, Japan and Korea. It grows 3.5–6 m (11–20 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -26 °C (-15 °F). Space plants about 4.5 m (15 ft) apart.
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Nashi pear (Asian pear) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 3.5–6 m (11–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 4.5 m (15 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -26 °C (-15 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | China, Japan and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Nashi pear (Asian pear) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, leaves
Seeds contain small amounts of amygdalin; the crisp ripe flesh is safe.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Nashi pear (Asian pear)
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Keep apart or take care
- avoid With Black walnut: Pear (Pyrus) is on extension juglone-sensitive lists; Asian pear is expected to react the same way, though it is not named separately. Evidence C
- caution With Pear: Both Pyrus species are susceptible to fire blight and share pear psylla and pear scab, so disease in one threatens the other. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Fire blight: Fire blight bacteria are carried by bees and rain between apples, pears, quince, hawthorn, cotoneaster and firethorn. Evidence B
Questions about Nashi pear (Asian pear)
- How far apart should I plant Nashi pear (Asian pear)?
- About 4.5 m (15 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Nashi pear (Asian pear) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Nashi pear (Asian pear) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Nashi pear (Asian pear)?
- It tolerates about -26 °C (-15 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Nashi pear (Asian pear) flower?
- From about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Nashi pear (Asian pear) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Seeds contain small amounts of amygdalin; the crisp ripe flesh is safe.
- What grows well with Nashi pear (Asian pear)?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center: chilling requirements by species and cultivar, University of California, Davis
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Needs a second compatible cultivar; chill roughly 300-600 hours for most selections.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata