Kieffer Semi-dwarf Pear Pyrus Communis 5 Gal

Kieffer is a well-known American pear variety introduced by Peter Kieffer of Philadelphia in the second half of the 19th century. It has an unusual ancestry, being probably a seedling of a Chinese pear (Pyrus prunifolia) crossed with the widely grown European pear (Pyrus communis) Barlett. Although, in most respects, it can be considered a European pear, the crisp, coarse flesh hints at Chinese ancestry.

Kieffer inherits the heavy-cropping nature of Bartlett but ripens much later.  Kieffer quickly became a significant commercial variety in the eastern and southern states. Like Bartlett it was ideal for processing and canning.

Oriental ancestry might also explain another of its key features—Kieffer has a legendary reputation for resistance to fireblight.

Cross pollination: Kieffer is self fruitful, but planting another variety of pear in the area will increase fruit yield. Kieffer can be used to cross pollinate Asian pears as well, due to it's ancestory.

Rootstock: OHxF97