Bradford Pear
Pyrus calleryana · Rosaceae (Rose family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Ovate to broadly ovate with an acute to acuminate tip
Margin
Finely crenate-serrate (rounded to slightly pointed teeth along the edge)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent yellowish-green midrib and branching secondary veins
Key Features
Glossy, leathery ovate leaves with finely crenate margins, wavy leaf surfaces, distinct stipules early on, and prominent smooth, glossy petioles often tinted reddish
Description
The Callery Pear is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree featuring a dense, upright, symmetrical canopy. It produces abundant clusters of white, malodorous flowers in early spring before the glossy, dark green leaves fully emerge. Small, hard fruit follows, which ripens and is dispersed widely by birds. In autumn, the foliage turns striking shades of red, purple, and orange.
Habitat
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, urban environments, disturbed areas, old fields, and forest edges; highly tolerant of pollution and drought
Native Range
Native to China and Vietnam; widely planted as an ornamental across North America where it has become invasive in many regions