Pyrus angustifolia

SIMILAR SPECIES: Easily confused with the narrow-leaved variant of the common wild crab, Pyrus coronaria L. var. lancifolia (Rehd.) Fern. The leaves of P. angustifolia usually are blunt or round-tipped with few, large teeth; the leaves of P. coronaria usually are sharp-tipped with doubly-serrate margins. Intermediates are common.

TOTAL RANGE: On the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain from NJ to FL and LA, and n. in the interior to OH, KY, KS, and MO.

STATE RANGE: FRANKLIN: ---, 6 May 1899, E.L. Fullmer (OS). HOCKING CO.: Benton Twp., 7 Aug. 1894, W.A. & K.F. Kellerman (OS); Neotoma, 26 May 1940, Wolfe, Wareham > Scofield (OS). WAYNE CO.: Killbuck Bottom, 17 May 1898, J.W.T. Duvel (OS). Braun (1961) also lists this species from Adams County and notes that the illustration in her book was drawn from Adams County material. Also, Roberts & Cooperrider (1982) indicate that this species was collected in Adams County in 1925. However, no Adams County specimens have been located.

STATE STATUS: 1980 to present: Presumed Extirpated.

HABITAT: Young woods and thickets, pastures, and old fields.

HAZARDS: Overgrowth by taller species through natural succession.

RECOVERY POTENTIAL: Unknown, but possibly good; the species probably is tolerant of moderate disturbance.

INVENTORY GUIDELINES: Collect complete mature species with flowers or fruits.

COMMENTS: This species is easily mistaken for the common wild crab. It may well be extant in Ohio and simply overlooked.

SELECTED REFERENCES:

Braun, E.L. 1961. The woody plants of Ohio. The Ohio State Univ. Press, Columbus, OH. 362 p.

Roberts, M.L. and T.S. Cooperrider. 1982. Dicotyledons. In: Cooperrider, T.S. (ed.). Endangered and threatened plants of Ohio. Ohio Biol. Surv. Biol. Notes No. 16: 48-84.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Division of Natural Areas and Preserves

Created: 3/1985 Allison W. Cusick

Database Code: SPLC.860