Bradford Pear (also known as Callery Pear)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Pyrus, Species: Pyrus calleryana · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Pyrus calleryana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to broadly ovate with an acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 2.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, which is typical for a mature leaf of this species (ranging from 2-3 inches)
Margin
Finely crenate-serrate (rounded to sharply pointed teeth along the edge)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common, often considered an invasive weed tree in North America
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to dark green on the upper surface with a slightly paler underside; exhibits brilliant red, purple, and orange hues in the autumn; venation shows subtle reddish pigmentation near the base
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and reticulate secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Glabrous (smooth), somewhat leathery, with a glossy sheen on the upper adaxial surface
Description
The Bradford Pear is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its dense, symmetrical, oval-to-pyramidal crown and a profusion of white, foul-smelling flowers in early spring. Its glossy, dark green leaves emerge early in spring and hold onto their brilliant fall colors late into autumn before dropping.
Key Features
Smooth, glossy, ovate leaves with finely toothed margins, wavy leaf edges, prominent drooping tips, and early-spring white blossoms with a distinct odor
Habitat
Adapts extremely well to disturbed areas, old fields, roadsides, and open woodlands; tolerates a wide range of soils and urban pollution
Geographic Range
Native to China and Vietnam; widely planted as an ornamental tree across North America where it has become aggressively invasive
Condition Notes
The leaf appears healthy, vibrant green, and structurally intact with minor natural blemishes and no significant disease or insect damage. Overall health grade: Excellent.
Interesting Facts
Originally introduced to the United States in the early 20th century by the USDA to resist fire blight, Bradford pears were planted extensively as urban street trees. However, they lack structural integrity, tend to split apart under heavy wind or ice, and have become a major ecological pest.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental landscape tree. The fruit is small, hard, and woody, mostly consumed by wildlife rather than humans. No significant medicinal uses.
Ecological Role
While birds readily consume the small pomes and disperse the seeds, Callery pears are notorious invasive species that outcompete native flora, drastically reducing biodiversity in open fields and forest margins.
Similar Species
Other ornamental pear varieties (such as 'Cleveland Select') and native fruit trees like crabapples (Malus species), which can be distinguished by differences in bark texture, flower clusters, and thorn presence.
Foraging Tips
Look along highway corridors, abandoned lots, and forest edges where invasive Callery pears form dense thickets. Best identified in spring by their overwhelming white floral display and in autumn by their glossy, multicolored leaves.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The leaves and small fruits are safe for humans and animals, though the fruit is generally unpalatable due to being woody and astringent.