Crawford

Pear

Crawford

ORIGIN & HISTORY

Probably of Scotch origin. Recorded by Downing in 1845 and 1869, and subsequently by Bunyard in 1908 and 1920. In English orchards, particularly in Kent, this variety has been valued as a shelter tree, traditionally planted on the windy sides of fruit plantations to provide protection to more tender varieties.

TREE

Grows to a large size. Stout in structure and remarkably productive. The tree's robustness and productivity make it well-suited to exposed sites, where it serves as an effective windbreak in plantation settings.

FRUIT

Size & Form: Below medium. Obovate.

Color: Pale green, with the faintest red blush.

Stem: Stout, medium short, fleshy.

Calyx: Open, set in a shallow basin.

Flesh: Nearly white, mealy, sweet, juicy.

Flavor: Nil (not distinctive).

SEASON

August.

REMARKS

This variety is primarily valued as a shelter tree rather than for culinary merit, its productivity and hardiness making it a practical choice for exposed orchard locations despite its bland flavor profile.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)

View original book sources (1)

Crawford.

Downing Fr. Trees Am. 335. 1845.

Ibid. 729. 1869.

Bunyard Thomas Fr. Card. 139. 1908. Chalk.

Bunyard Handb. Hardy Fr. 163. 1920.

This tree, probably of Scotch origin, grows to a large size in the orchards of Kent, Eng., and is often planted on the windy sides of plantations as a protection to other trees. Tree stout, remarkably productive. Fruit below medium, obovate, pale green, with faintest red blush; stem stout, medium short, fleshy; calyx open, in a shallow basin; flesh nearly white, mealy, sweet, juicy; flavor nil; Aug.

— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)

Chalk