Bradford Pear, Callery Pear
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Pyrus, Species: P. calleryana · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Pyrus calleryana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to broadly ovate with a rounded base and acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches long and 1.5 to 2 inches wide, which is typical for a mature Callery pear leaf.
Margin
Finely crenate-serrate (scalloped and toothed edges)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface with a glossy sheen, paler beneath; turns brilliant shades of red, purple, and orange in autumn.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent, yellowish-green midrib and branching secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Leathery and glabrous (smooth) with a glossy upper surface
Description
The Callery pear is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree known for its dense, symmetrical crown, profuse white spring flowers, and glossy green foliage that transitions to vibrant autumn colors. The bark is gray-brown and develops shallow fissures with age.
Key Features
Glossy, leathery, dark green ovate leaves with finely crenate margins; wavy leaf edges; prominent pale midrib; rounded base; and early spring clusters of white, highly scented flowers.
Habitat
Highly adaptable, commonly found in disturbed areas, old fields, roadsides, and open woods; tolerates poor soils, urban pollution, and various moisture levels.
Geographic Range
Native to China and Vietnam; widely introduced and planted as an ornamental across North America, where it has become invasive in many eastern and Midwestern states.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears healthy and mature, displaying a vibrant green summer color with intact margins and a minor natural blemish, yielding an overall health grade of Good.
Interesting Facts
Originally introduced to North America in the early 20th century to help combat fire blight resistance in commercial fruit orchards, it quickly became a popular landscape tree before its invasive tendencies and weak branch structure became apparent.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental street and landscape tree due to its hardiness and urban tolerance. It has no significant traditional medicinal uses.
Ecological Role
Produces small, hard pome fruits eaten by birds, which help spread the seeds widely. Due to its dense thickets, it often outcompetes native flora and is considered invasive in many regions.
Similar Species
Can be confused with other pear species like the Common Pear (Pyrus communis), which typically has more finely serrated margins and less glossy leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look for dense stands along forest edges, highways, and abandoned lots where escaped cultivars have naturalized. Leaves alternate along stiff twigs.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The leaves and small fruits are not known to be poisonous to humans or pets, though the fruits are astringent and unpalatable.