

Callery pear is self-incompatible, which means it requires outcrossing with genetically different plants for successful fruit production. The reason for this invasive spread lies with the way the species breeds and the fruit it produces as a result. As they continue to spread, it is likely that a greater array of sites will be prone to invasion, including managed pine stands. It is tolerant of partial shade and sites with dry to wet soils. The species has proven very successful at invading disturbed areas, open fields (figure 1), unimproved pastures, rights of ways, and forest edges. Flowering can begin in trees as young as 3 years old.Ĭallery pears are rapidly growing trees that can form dense thickets, outcompeting native plants for light, water, and nutrients.
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Problems began to appear, however, that had not been fully expected-problems that today’s homeowners and professionals must be aware of and know how to address. In fact, many people call the species by the name Bradford pear.įor many years, Callery pear served its purpose as a useful horticultural species. While many cultivated varieties (cultivars) were developed over the years, the ‘Bradford’ is the best known. With its high degree of tolerance to environmental stresses, rapid growth, and early abundant flowering, Callery pear became a very popular street and landscaping tree. Before long it became clear that the Callery pear also had incredible potential as a horticultural tree. This native of southeastern Asia was imported to the United States in the early 20th century for use in breeding programs to increase fire blight resistance in common pears. The introduction of Callery pear ( Pyrus calleryana) serves as a cautionary tale of how good intentions can sometimes go wrong.
