Léonie Bouvier
PearLéonie Bouvier
Origin / History
A Belgian variety obtained by M. Simon Bouvier of Jodoigne, Belgium. Cited in Guide Pratique (1895). At the time of Downing's writing (1900), it was as yet little known.
Tree
Vigorous. Downing describes it as productive; Hedrick notes it is vigorous on quince and fertile.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium, or medium to below (Downing). Oblong obovate pyriform (Downing); pyriform (Hedrick).
Stem: Medium length, fleshy at insertion (Downing). Not described in Hedrick.
Cavity: Slight (Downing). Not described in Hedrick.
Calyx: Open (Downing). Not described in Hedrick.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: The two sources differ in their color descriptions. Downing describes the skin as clear yellow, shaded with crimson and fawn, with patches and nettings of russet and many russet dots. Hedrick describes it as whitish-yellow blushed with orange-red, with no mention of russet.
Flesh / Flavor: The two sources conflict substantially on texture and quality. Downing describes the flesh as white, rather coarse, and sweet, rating it Good. Hedrick describes it as fine, very melting and juicy, sugary, vinous, and perfumed, calling it "a very beautiful and excellent fruit."
Core / Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
September (both sources agree).
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes / Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Eleonie Bouvier.
A Belgian variety, as yet little known. Tree vigorous, productive.
Fruit medium or below, oblong obovate pyriform, clear yellow, shaded with crimson and fawn, patches and nettings of russet, and many russet dots. Stalk medium, fleshy at insertion. Cavity slight. Calyx open. Flesh white, rather coarse, sweet. Good. September.
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Léonie Bouvier. i. Guide Prat. 56. 1895. Obtained by M. Simon Bouvier, Jodoigne, Bel. Tree vigorous on quince, fertile. Fruit medium, pyriform, whitish-yellow blushed with orange-red; flesh fine, very melting and juicy, sugary, vinous, perfumed; a very beautiful and excellent fruit; Sept.