Bradford Pear, also known as Callery Pear
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Pyrus, Species: P. calleryana · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Pyrus calleryana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to broadly elliptical with an acute tip
Size
Approximately 2.5 inches long and 1.75 inches wide, which falls within the typical 2-3 inch range for the species
Margin
Finely crenate-serrate (rounded to slightly pointed teeth along the edge)
Arrangement
Alternate on the twig with a slender petiole
Rarity
Very Common, frequently considered an invasive weed tree in many regions
Color & Pattern
Deep rich green on the upper surface with a slightly paler underside, typical mature summer coloration with no major discoloration or variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and ascending secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Glabrous (smooth) and slightly glossy on the upper surface with a firm, somewhat leathery texture
Description
The Callery Pear is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree known for its dense, symmetrical crown, profuse white spring blooms, and glossy green foliage that often turns brilliant shades of red, purple, and orange in the autumn. The bark is typically smooth and gray-brown when young, developing shallow fissures with age.
Key Features
Glossy, leathery ovate leaves with finely crenate-serrate margins, wavy leaf surfaces, prominent midribs, and slender petioles coupled with heavy spring flowering and an upright, dense branching habit
Habitat
Thrives in full sun and a wide variety of soils including clay, loam, and sand; highly adaptable to urban environments, disturbed areas, roadsides, and abandoned fields
Geographic Range
Native to China and Vietnam; widely planted as an ornamental street tree across North America where it has become a pervasive invasive species
Condition Notes
The pressed herbarium specimen leaf is in Good condition, showing minor handling wear at the base but retaining its shape, color, and key diagnostic margin and venation details
Interesting Facts
Originally introduced to North America in the early 20th century to combat fire blight in commercial pear crops, the Bradford Pear later became immensely popular in landscaping due to its rapid growth and pollution tolerance, only to later become notorious for weak branch structures and invasive tendencies
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily valued as an ornamental street and landscape tree, though its wood is occasionally used for turning and small woodworking projects; the fruit is small, woody, and largely unpalatable to humans
Ecological Role
Displaces native plant species by forming dense monocultures; seeds are readily consumed and spread by birds, contributing to its rapid spread across disturbed lands and woodlands
Similar Species
Other ornamental pear varieties such as 'Cleveland Select' or wild-type Callery pear hybrids, distinguished primarily by branching angles, tree form, and subtle variations in leaf width and tip sharpness
Foraging Tips
Look along forest edges, highway right-of-ways, and abandoned lots where escaped Callery pears form dense thickets; easily spotted in early spring by their overwhelming white floral display and in autumn by their striking glossy multicolored leaves
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic; the leaves, bark, and small hard fruits are generally considered non-toxic to humans and domestic animals