Bradford Pear
Pyrus calleryana · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
'Bradford', known for its exceptionally dense, symmetrical, oval-to-globular crown and heavy early spring white blooms.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, demonstrating high adaptability to various urban pollution levels and temperature extremes.
About This Tree
The Bradford Pear is a medium-sized deciduous tree recognized for its exceptionally dense, uniform, rounded to broadly oval canopy. It features glossy dark green leaves, abundant white spring blossoms, and a relatively rapid growth rate. While popular historically for urban landscaping, its weak branch attachment angles often lead to splitting under heavy wind or ice loads.
Leaf Characteristics
Leaves are simple, alternate, broadly ovate to nearly round, 1.5 to 3 inches long, with finely serrated margins. They emerge glossy green in spring, maintain a dark green lustrous appearance through summer, and turn brilliant shades of red, purple, and orange in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Bark is relatively smooth and gray-brown on young trees, gradually developing shallow furrows and scaly ridges with a slightly reddish-brown tinge as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to China and Vietnam; widely planted as an ornamental street and landscape tree across North America.
Growing Season
Spring brings a profusion of white flowers before leaves emerge; deep green summer foliage transitions to vibrant red, purple, and orange fall colors; winter brings dormancy with a dense framework of fine branches.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun for optimal flowering and form. Requires moderate watering during establishment but exhibits good drought tolerance once mature. Adapts to a wide range of soil types.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 30 to 50 feet in height with an equal or slightly lesser 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 various pH levels. Notable for showy spring blooms and brilliant multi-colored autumn foliage, though prone to storm damage due to narrow branch crotches.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides early-season nectar for various pollinators. Produces small, hard, pome fruits that are consumed by some birds and small mammals, though its ecological integration is generally limited compared to native species.