Pyrus calleryana aka Bradford Pear

Pyrus calleryana, or Callery pear, belongs to the rose family. It is a deciduous tree native to eastern Asia. Its range includes China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It grows fast and takes several decades to reach full size. Garden trees often stand 30–40 feet (9–12 metres) tall. The RHS records heights near 49 feet (15 metres). Young trees have a narrow crown that broadens with age. UConn gives a width near 13 feet (4 metres). The RHS reports spreads beyond 26 feet (8 metres).

The bark turns gray-brown and forms shallow grooves with age. Older bark also shows small, horizontal pores called lenticels. The tree can bear many thorns. Each leaf grows alone, in an alternate pattern along branches. Leaves are oval, thick, and glossy dark green. Their edges have small, rounded teeth. Fall shades include red, purple, and orange. Leaves can stay on the tree late into fall. Early frost may arrive before their full color develops.

White flower clusters open in spring, often before the leaves. UConn reports bloom from late April to early May. The RHS places flowering in early to mid-spring. The flowers have a strong smell that many people dislike. Small, round pome fruits follow and turn brown by autumn. Their skins bear russet dots. Birds eat the fruit and spread the seeds. Oregon State calls the fruit inedible. The RHS warns against eating it and flags risks for pets.

Grow this tree in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It accepts clay, loam, and sand. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Moist soil suits growth, but the tree also tolerates dry heat. It tolerates air pollution as well. The RHS rates it H6 for cold hardiness. UConn places it in USDA zone 5. Garden uses include specimen trees, street plantings, and screens.

Its spring flowers and fall leaves provide its main garden value. Yet age and narrow branch joins can weaken the crown. Wind, ice, or snow can break limbs or split trees. Aphids, caterpillars, moths, mites, and pear midges may attack it. Diseases include fireblight, pear scab, rust, and brown rot. Oregon State identifies Callery pear as invasive in the United States. Escaped trees can form dense stands outside gardens.