Callery Pear, Bradford 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 pointed tip
Size
Approximately 2-3 inches long and 1.5-2 inches wide, typical for the species
Margin
Finely crenate-serrate
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Vibrant glossy green upper surface, paler green underneath, turning brilliant reds, oranges, and purples in autumn
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent whitish midrib and branching secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glossy, leathery texture on the upper surface
Description
A medium-sized deciduous tree known for its dense, symmetrical crown, profuse white spring flowers with an often unpleasant odor, glossy dark green foliage, and brilliant fall color
Key Features
Glossy, leathery ovate leaves with finely scalloped edges, wavy margins, and prominent whitish petioles; clusters of white flowers in early spring
Habitat
Adaptable to various soils, urban environments, disturbed areas, old fields, and forest edges with full sun
Geographic Range
Native to China and Vietnam; widely planted as an ornamental across North America where it has become invasive
Condition Notes
Healthy, lush green leaves with no visible disease or insect damage, glistening with recent rain droplets
Interesting Facts
Widely planted as an urban street tree due to its pollution tolerance, but now considered a severe invasive ecological threat because cultivars cross-pollinate and spread aggressively
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental landscape tree and rootstock for pear breeding; non-edible hard fruits provide minimal wildlife value
Ecological Role
Displaces native plant species and disrupts local ecosystems when invading natural habitats; fruits are eaten and spread by birds
Similar Species
Native serviceberries (Amelanchier species) and wild pear varieties; distinguished by Callery pear's distinctly glossy, leathery leaves and wavy margins
Foraging Tips
Look in suburban landscapes, abandoned lots, and forest edges where these trees frequently form dense thickets due to their invasive nature
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic