| Callery pear, or Bradford pear, is an ornamental, deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 ft. (12.2 m) in height. Some non-sterile cultivars of this species have escaped and are invading natural areas throughout the eastern United States. The leaves are alternate, simple, 2 to 3 in. (5.1-7.6 cm) long, petiolate and shiny with wavy, slightly-toothed margins. The overall shape of the tree is often described as a tear-drop that often spreads out with age. Flowering occurs early in the spring (April to May) before the leaves emerge. The flowers are 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide, showy, malodorous and white. Fruits are round, 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) in diameter and green to brown in color. The “Bradford” variety of pear, which produced sterile fruits, has been widely planted throughout the United States since the early 1900s, but recent cultivars, bred to reduce the tendency of the tree to split in snow or high winds, have produced viable seeds and escaped to invade disturbed areas. |
