Orcas European Pear is a Pacific Northwest treasure, discovered growing on a property on Orcas Island, Washington, and now a beloved regional favorite. This vigorous tree produces large, yellow pears with a carmine blush when fully ripe, maturing in early September. Hardy in zones 5 through 9 and reaching 15 feet at maturity, it thrives in full sun and has earned a legendary reputation for scab resistance. The smooth-textured fruit is exceptional fresh, canned, or dried, and the tree bears prolifically every year without requiring babying.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
180in H x ?in W
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High
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Joe Long's discovery on Orcas Island has become something special: a pear tree that actually laughs in the face of the disease that plagues most of its cousins. The fruit arrives with stunning visual appeal, large and blushing carmine over golden yellow, with flesh so smooth and clean you'll barely notice a grit cell. Year after year, without fail, this tree delivers an abundant harvest that handles whatever you want to do with it, bite into a fresh pear at peak ripeness, or preserve it for winter.
Orcas pears shine whether you eat them fresh off the tree at peak ripeness or preserve them for the months ahead. The fruit cans beautifully, retaining its texture and flavor through the process, and dries well for snacking or baking. Many growers in maritime climates have embraced it specifically because the tree produces reliably without the constant vigilance that other pears demand.
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Plant bare-root or container-grown trees in early spring or fall, positioning them where they'll receive full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Space trees 15 to 20 feet apart to accommodate their mature spreading habit.
Pick pears in early September when they reach full size and the skin transitions to golden yellow with a distinct carmine blush. The fruit should yield slightly to gentle pressure but still feel firm; avoid waiting until they're soft on the tree, as they'll develop better flavor and texture if harvested at this stage and ripened indoors for a few days if desired. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
Prune to maintain an open center and remove crossing or damaged branches. The tree's vigorous, spreading habit responds well to light shaping in late winter or early spring. Orcas pears don't require aggressive pruning, but opening up the canopy improves air circulation and light penetration, both of which enhance fruit quality.
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“Horticulturalist Joe Long discovered this pear growing on his property on Orcas Island, Washington, where it thrived in the maritime climate. Its exceptional vigor and disease resistance caught the attention of regional growers, and it has since become a cherished local variety. The tree's ability to flourish without intensive management in the Pacific Northwest's challenging growing conditions led to its wider adoption among orchardists who value trees that work as hard as they do.”