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Wilder

Pear

Wilder

Origin/History

Wilder is a Fox seedling (Thomas). The Central Experimental Farm at Agassiz, BC, recorded planting it in spring 1891.

Tree

Thomas does not describe the tree. The Central Experimental Farm notes the tree is a strong grower.

Fruit

Size and Form: Large, pyriform (both sources agree).

Stem: Not described in source.

Cavity: Not described in source.

Calyx: Not described in source.

Basin: Not described in source.

Skin: The two sources differ on color. Thomas describes the skin as pale yellow, shaded dark russet red, with small, numerous dots. The Central Experimental Farm describes it as clear yellow, with a bright red cheek in the sun; no dots are mentioned.

Flesh and Flavor: Both sources describe the flesh as yellowish (Thomas: pale yellow; Central Experimental Farm: yellowish) and juicy. Thomas adds that the flesh is fine-grained and tender. The sources conflict on flavor: Thomas characterizes it as sub-acid; the Central Experimental Farm describes it as buttery and sweet.

Core and Seeds: Not described in source.

Season

Early August (Central Experimental Farm). Thomas gives no season.

Uses

Thomas rates Wilder "Very good."

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

Nursery Catalog Sources

Found in 21 catalogs (1890–1912) from Arkansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington

View original book sources (2)

Wilder. Large, pyriform; pale yellow, shaded dark russet red; dots small, numerous; flesh pale yellow, fine-grained, tender, sub-acid, juicy. A Fox seedling. Very good.

— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)

Planted Spring 1891. Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, pyriform. Skin clear yellow, with a bright red cheek in the sun. Flesh yellowish, juicy, buttery, sweet. Season early August.

— Central Experimental Farm, Central Experimental Farm, Agassiz BC — Catalogue of Fruit Trees under Test (Bulletin No. 3, 1900) (1900)