Other names: Callery, bradford, aristocrat, autumn blaze, Cleveland select, whitehouse, ornamental pear and many others, Pyrus calleryana
Where did it come from?
It was imported in the early 1900s to be used as an ornamental tree.
Why is it invasive?
Callery pear may look pretty, but it’s crowding out Indiana native trees! It’s the first tree with white flowers in the spring and dark crimson leaves late into the fall. Its white flowers have five petals and a really unpleasant odor. Using Callery pear in your yard allows them to spread to forests and parks where it crowds out native plants. Some escaped trees are thorny which makes it difficult for wildlife and humans to move through the woods. The branches of these trees also frequently and easily split.
How do you prevent its spread?
Consider planting the serviceberry tree, Eastern redbud, or other alternatives.
Resources:
♦ Invasive Plant Species: Callery Pear
♦ Now is the Time to Identify Callery Pear
♦ Watch this video to learn how to identify it.
♦ Learn why Callery pear is such a threat to Indiana native trees.