Common Pear
Pyrus communis
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Common Pear (Pyrus communis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Common Pear as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Pollinators
bees
Native alternatives to Common Pear
Common Pear is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaCommon pear is a medium to large deciduous fruit tree that produces white flowers in spring followed by edible pears in late summer. It has an upright, spreading form with glossy green leaves that turn yellow to reddish in fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common Pear is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Fallen fruit can create mess if not cleaned up
- May require regular pruning to maintain neat appearance
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the fruit provides food for birds and wildlife when allowed to ripen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Common Pear need?
- Common Pear grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Common Pear bloom?
- Common Pear blooms in April and May.
- Is Common Pear toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Common Pear as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Common Pear attract?
- Common Pear draws bees.
- Is Common Pear HOA-friendly?
- Common Pear is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Common Pear? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz


