Callery Pear, Bradford Pear
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, 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 or cordate
Size
Approximately 1.5 to 3 inches long and nearly as wide; the pictured leaf appears to be within this typical mature range.
Margin
Crenate (rounded teeth) to finely serrate; often appears slightly wavy (undulate).
Arrangement
Alternate, with long petioles (leaf stalks).
Rarity
Very Common; frequently used in landscaping and extensively naturalized in the wild.
Color & Pattern
Deep lustrous green on the upper surface, slightly paler beneath. The petiole often shows a reddish tint toward the base. In autumn, these leaves turn vibrant shades of purple, scarlet, and orange.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and secondary veins that curve toward the margins (reticulate toward the edges).
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous), leathery (coriaceous), and notably glossy or waxy on the upper surface.
Description
The Callery Pear is a medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 30-50 feet. It is famous for a dense explosion of white flowers in early spring that have a distinct, often unpleasant odor. The leaves are sturdy, glossy, and remain on the tree late into the fall. The bark is grayish-brown and becomes deeply furrowed with age.
Key Features
Glossy, leathery texture; finely scalloped (crenate) margins; long petioles; and a tendency for the leaf blade to be nearly as wide as it is long.
Habitat
Typically found in urban landscapes as ornamental trees, but increasingly common in abandoned fields, forest edges, and disturbed roadsides.
Geographic Range
Native to China and Vietnam; widely naturalized and considered invasive across much of the Eastern and Midwestern United States.
Condition Notes
The large leaf is in Good condition with a minor necrotic spot near the tip. The smaller leaf shows significant mechanical damage or insect herbivory along the lower margin. Overall health appears stable.
Interesting Facts
Originally introduced to the US in the early 1900s to create blight-resistant pear hybrids, the 'Bradford' cultivar became one of the most popular street trees before its invasive nature and weak branch structure were fully understood.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental landscape tree. Its wood is hard and fine-grained, sometimes used for small woodturning projects or tool handles. Not typically used medicinally.
Ecological Role
While it provides early nectar for some generalist pollinators, it is considered an ecological threat in North America as it outcompetes native species and creates dense monocultures.
Similar Species
Common Pear (Pyrus communis), which has less glossy leaves; Common Apple (Malus domestica), which has fuzzier leaf undersides; and various Crabapple species.
Foraging Tips
Look for glossy, heart-shaped leaves on trees with a pyramidal or egg-shaped canopy. In spring, the smell of the white flowers is a dead giveaway. The 'pears' produced are tiny, hard, woody pellets not suitable for eating.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic; like many members of the Rosaceae family, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) which can release cyanide if ingested in large quantities. Leaves and fruit are generally considered low-risk but not for consumption.