Sudduth (Birkett, possibly)
Pear
USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection
Sudduth (Birkett, possibly)
Origin and History
Sudduth (Birkett, possibly) is a pear variety of recent introduction, noted as originating in Illinois. The variety is gaining a record for longevity of tree on prairie soils not wholly adapted to pear-growing, suggesting it may have been selected or promoted for hardiness in continental North American conditions.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium size, obovate oval shape.
Skin: Smooth texture. Color green with russet patches and numerous small brown dots.
Stalk: One and one-half inches long, slender, inserted in a medium-sized abrupt furrowed cavity.
Cavity: Medium-sized, abrupt, furrowed.
Basin: Medium-sized, irregular, corrugated with peculiar raised points.
Flesh and Flavor: Flesh whitish, quite fine, tender, juicy, almost sweet. Flavor is good.
Core and Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
September.
Uses
Not described in source.
Other
The parenthetical "(Birkett, possibly)" in the variety name indicates uncertainty regarding whether this variety is identical to or related to the Birkett pear, or whether Birkett is an alternate name. The source does not clarify this relationship.
Source: J.L. Budd & N.E. Hansen, American Horticultural Manual, Part II: Systematic Pomology (1914)
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
Nursery Catalog Sources
Found in 1 catalog (1898) from Missouri
- Stark Bros. Nurseries & Orchards Co. , Louisiana , Missouri — 1898 — listed as Birkett
View original book sources (1)
— J.L. Budd & N.E. Hansen, American Horticultural Manual, Part II: Systematic Pomology (1914)Sudduth (Birkett, possibly). — Size medium, obovate oval; skin smooth; color green, with russet patches and numerous small brown dots; stalk one and one-half inches long, slender, and inserted in medium-sized abrupt furrowed cavity; basin medium-sized, irregular, corrugated with peculiar raised points. Flesh whitish, quite fine, tender, juicy, almost sweet, good. Season, September. This new variety is gaining a record for longevity of tree on prairie soils not wholly adapted to pear-growing. Illinois.