The Bradford Pear, botanically known as Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’, is a deciduous tree often used in suburban and urban landscaping across the United States. Reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet, this cultivar of the Callery pear was frequently planted for its adaptability and uniform appearance.
The Signature Spring Bloom
The most recognizable feature of the Bradford Pear is its spectacular burst of white flowers that appear very early in the season, often before the leaves have fully emerged. This profusion of blossoms typically covers the entire canopy, turning the tree into a dense cloud of white. Each individual flower measures between 0.75 to 1 inch wide, composed of five white petals, and is tightly grouped in dense clusters, or corymbs. Despite their attractive appearance, the blossoms possess a strong, malodorous scent, often described as rancid or similar to rotting fish. This short flowering period, usually lasting about two weeks, is the tree’s most conspicuous phase.
Year-Round Identification Leaves and Bark
Outside of the flowering period, the tree is identified by its foliage and bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy dark green on the upper surface. They are typically oval or heart-shaped, growing up to three inches long, with fine, rounded serrations along the edges. The foliage remains on the tree for an extended period into the fall.
The bark on younger Bradford Pears is relatively smooth and light grayish-brown. As the tree matures, the bark transitions, developing noticeable shallow furrows, ridges, or scales.
Distinctive Shape and Structural Weakness
The tree’s shape is a key identifier, especially in urban settings. Young Bradford Pears initially exhibit a dense, uniform shape, often described as pyramidal or columnar. This shape spreads to become more oval or rounded with age, but maintains a dense, compact crown.
The defining characteristic of the ‘Bradford’ cultivar is its inherent structural flaw, which becomes more apparent as the tree grows larger. Its branches grow at steep, upright angles, forming narrow, acute V-shaped crotches where they connect to the main trunk. This tight branching pattern creates a weak union because the wood grain does not interlock properly. Consequently, mature Bradford Pears are notoriously prone to splitting and losing large limbs when subjected to high winds, ice, or snow loads.
Fruit and Autumn Color
Identification in the later months begins with the change in leaf color. The autumn coloration transitions from summer green to a range of deep hues. Leaves display brilliant shades of deep red, reddish-purple, bronze, and sometimes orange, making the tree conspicuous in the fall landscape.
Following the bloom, the tree produces small, inconspicuous fruit. These small pomes are round, hard, and typically less than half an inch in diameter. The fruit is usually greenish-brown with speckles and is not edible for humans, but it serves as a food source for birds and other wildlife.