Bradford Pear
Pyrus calleryana · Deciduous hardwood broadleaf
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental street tree
Variety / Cultivar
Bradford
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9
About This Tree
Upright, densely branched deciduous tree with a symmetrical oval to pyramidal form that becomes more rounded and sometimes split-prone at maturity due to narrow branch angles
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple, glossy dark green leaves, ovate to nearly round, finely serrated margins, turning brilliant shades of red, purple, and orange in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown bark with shallow fissures and vertical ridges, developing rougher texture and slight scaly plates as the tree matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to China and Vietnam, widely planted and invasive in North America
Growing Season
Early spring flowering, dense green foliage throughout summer, vibrant red to purple autumn colors, winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred, adaptable to moderate moisture, highly adaptable to various soil types and urban pollution once established, moderate drought tolerance
Mature Size
Expected height of 30 to 50 feet with a similar spread, moderate to fast growth rate, relatively short-lived lifespan of 15 to 25 years due to structural weakness
Special Characteristics
Abundant showy white spring flowers with an unpleasant odor, excellent urban pollution tolerance, striking fall foliage, but prone to splitting under heavy wind or ice loads
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides limited nesting habitat for birds; small, hard fruits are eaten by some birds and mammals which spread seeds widely, contributing to its invasive status