Pyrus calleryana aka Bradford Pear

Pyrus calleryana, commonly known as the Callery pear, is a species of pear tree native to China and Vietnam. It belongs to the family Rosaceae and is widely planted throughout the United States, particularly the cultivar 'Bradford', although it is increasingly considered an invasive species. This deciduous tree typically grows to a height of 5 to 8 meters with a conical to rounded crown. The oval, glossy dark green leaves measure 4 to 8 cm in length and have slightly paler undersides that become visible in a breeze. In early spring, the tree produces abundant white flowers that are around 2 to 2.5 cm in diameter. The small, hard fruits are initially inedible due to their cyanide-laced seeds but become softened by frost and are consumed by birds, which disperse the seeds through droppings. During summer, the foliage is shiny and dark green, while in autumn, the leaves display a stunning array of colors including yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and bronze. The Callery pear is known for its resistance to diseases and fireblight, although certain cultivars like 'Bradford' are susceptible to storm damage. The species is named after Joseph-Marie Callery, a sinologue who introduced the tree to Europe from China. Another popular cultivar, 'Chanticleer', is a medium-sized tree with glossy dark green leaves that typically exhibit good autumn coloration. It produces abundant clusters of white flowers followed by small brown fruits.