Bradford Pear
Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
'Bradford' Callery Pear, known for its dense, symmetrical, upright-oval to rounded canopy and lack of thorns compared to the wild species.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree featuring a remarkably dense, symmetrical, rounded to broadly oval crown with ascending branches. It has a fast growth rate and is frequently planted in urban environments due to its tolerance of poor soils and pollution.
Leaf Characteristics
Leaves are simple, alternate, oval to heart-shaped, about 1.5 to 3 inches long, glossy dark green above, paler beneath, with finely serrated margins and smooth leathery texture.
Bark Characteristics
Bark is grayish-brown, relatively smooth on young trees, developing shallow furrows and scaly ridges with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to China and Vietnam; widely planted as an urban street tree across North America.
Growing Season
Spring brings a heavy profusion of white flowers before leaves emerge; deep green summer foliage turns vibrant red, purple, and orange in autumn before dropping in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for best flowering and structural form. Moderate water needs when young, highly drought-tolerant once established; adapts to a wide range of soil types.
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 30 to 50 feet with an equal spread of 25 to 35 feet. Moderate to fast growth rate with a relatively short typical lifespan of 15 to 25 years due to structural weakness.
Special Characteristics
Highly tolerant of urban pollution, compacted soils, and drought. Notable for its showy spring white blooms and brilliant fall color, though infamous for weak branch attachments making it prone to storm damage.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides limited ecological value. Flowers attract generalist pollinators, and birds occasionally consume and spread the small, hard pomes, contributing to its invasive tendencies when cross-pollinated with other Callery pear cultivars.