How to identify Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)

How to identify Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Bradford pear exhibits a bark that transitions from light brown to reddish-brown to light gray with age, becoming ridged and furrowed. Young twigs are stout and white-pubescent, ripening to a smooth, shiny brown, and may bear a thorn at the tip. The elongate, wooly buds are gray-pubescent. Its foliage includes dark green, glossy, ovate leaves with crenate and wavy margins, paler on the underside. White, 5-petaled flowers of 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) in diameter form dense clusters and emit a strong scent. Fruits are small spheres, yellowish-green to brown, measuring 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bradford pear

Distinctive bark transitions from light brown to reddish-brown to light gray, ridged and furrowed.

White-pubescent young twigs ripen to smooth, shiny brown, potentially bearing thorns.

Dark green, glossy, ovate leaves with crenate, wavy margins, and paler undersides.

White, 5-petaled flowers of 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) in diameter.

Fruits are small spheres, yellowish-green to brown, measuring 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter.

Detailed Traits of Bradford pear

Leaf Features

The leaves of bradford pear are glabrous and alternate, with a simple, ovate shape. They exhibit an acuminate tip and a glossy, dark green upper surface, while the undersides are paler. The margins are crenate and wavy, transitioning to a rounded or acute base. In autumn, the leaves change to a striking reddish-purple or bronze-red color. Each leaf measures approximately 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) in length, with a coriaceous texture.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,

Circular

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

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Flower Features

The flowers of bradford pear bloom in early spring, from April to May. They are creamy white, measuring 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) wide, with five showy petals. Each inflorescence forms a dense corymb or cyme roughly 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Despite their attractive appearance, the flowers emit a malodorous scent. Pollination is facilitated by insects.

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Stem Features

The stem of bradford pear is stout and initially covered with white pubescence, maturing to a smooth, shiny brown. Branches could have thorns at the tips. The stems, including twigs, are sturdy and thick, potentially reaching diameters of up to 1 inch (2.5 cm). Over time, they become more robust and susceptible to breakage. The texture transitions from woolly when young to sleek as they age, making identification easier for enthusiasts.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of bradford pear is a small pome typically ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch (about 1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. These globular fruits exhibit a color palette transitioning from yellowish-green to brown as they mature. The surface may have a subtle sheen and the texture is usually firm until fully ripened or deteriorated. Encased within is a central brown pit. Although inedible for humans, these fruits serve as an attractant for local avian species adding ecological value.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Bradford pear and Their Similar Plants

Common pear vs. Bradford pear: What's The Difference?

The common pear is a tree whose fruit is widely popular and grown all over the world. One way this fruit is unique is that it contains hard particles (called stone cells) within in its flesh that provides a gritty feel when eating. Common pear, when properly cared for, can have a life span of 50-75 years.

Asian pear vs. Bradford pear: What's The Difference?

A deciduous tree about 15 meters high. The leaves are oval with a length of about 12 cm and there are hook-shaped saw blades on the edges. The flowering season is around spring and the flower is made up of five white petals as the leaves unfold. From summer to fall a tan or yellow-green sphere-like fruit with a diameter of 10-18 centimeters that resembles an apple becomes edible. The flesh is white sweet and full of juice. Wild ones (Yamanashi) are about 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter and the flesh is hard and sour.

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Key Facts About Bradford pear

Attributes of Bradford pear

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

5 m to 8 m

Spread

6 m to 9 m

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Stem Color

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Bradford pear

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of Bradford pear

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Pears

Species

Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)

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Distribution Map of Bradford pear

Bradford pear is native to East Asia, from China east to Japan, where it grows in forests and meadows. It has also been planted throughout North America as an ornamental tree. However, it has been listed as invasive in several US states.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Bradford pear How to Grow and Care for Bradford pear