Unique Features: The Chanticleer pear grows into an upright, narrow oval shape and has a lifespan of about 50 years. It blooms in early spring with clusters of white flowers that can cover the tree. There is a chance of a late frost taking out the flowers, but the tree itself should survive. Unfortunately, the blooms are odiferous, with an ammonia-like fragrance, but the cooler temperatures of our springs tend to subdue the smell. The flowers are followed by small, <1/2” sized fruit that persists on the tree into or through the winter unless taken by birds. The shiny dark green foliage emerges very early, right after the flowers. The foliage is late to change, making this a long season tree; unfortunately, it can be caught by an early hard freeze and then the leaves don’t have time to color.  Chanticleer pears are resistant to fire blight and accepted for the ‘Parker Preferred Species’ list.