Callery Pear, Bradford Pear
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, 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 acute apex
Size
Approximately 2-3 inches long; typical range is 1.5-3 inches. It features a long, distinct petiole nearly as long as the blade.
Margin
Finely serrated to crenate (rounded teeth) with a wavy (undulate) appearance
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common (Invasive in many regions, frequently used in urban landscaping)
Color & Pattern
Bright glossy green on the upper surface, slightly paler underneath. No variegation. Turns vibrant shades of red, purple, and bronze in late autumn.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent light-colored midrib and delicate reticulate secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Leathery (coriaceous) and very glossy on the upper surface, glabrous (smooth) on both sides
Description
The Callery Pear is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its conical shape in youth and explosion of white flowers in early spring. The leaves are remarkably glossy and stay on the tree longer than most other deciduous species in the fall. The bark is grayish-brown and becomes deeply furrowed with age.
Key Features
Glossy leathery texture, long petioles that allow leaves to flutter in the wind, and a distinctive wavy, finely-toothed margin.
Habitat
Widely planted in suburban landscapes; escaped specimens thrive in disturbed areas, old fields, and forest edges with full sun.
Geographic Range
Native to China and Vietnam; widely naturalized and invasive throughout the eastern and central United States.
Condition Notes
Good health. Minor necrotic spot (likely fungal or insect-related) visible on the upper right quadrant of the blade. Texture appears turgid and vibrant.
Interesting Facts
The Bradford cultivar was originally bred to be sterile, but cross-pollination with other cultivars led to 'super-trees' that produce viable seeds and have become highly invasive. The flowers are notorious for having a pungent smell often compared to rotting fish.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily ornamental. The wood is dense and was historically used for making high-quality woodwind instruments or furniture markers. No notable medicinal uses.
Ecological Role
Displaces native species by forming dense thickets. The small fruits are consumed by birds like starlings, which aids in its rapid spread, though the nutritional value is lower than many native plants.
Similar Species
Common Pear (Pyrus communis), which has less glossy leaves; and American Basswood (Tilia americana), which has larger, heart-shaped leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look for the very long petioles and shiny surface. In spring, identify by the dense clusters of white five-petaled flowers with an unpleasant odor. In winter, look for large, fuzzy brown buds.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic. Like many members of the Rose family, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. The rest of the plant is generally non-toxic.