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