Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
Callery pear trees typically grow from 30 to 50 feet tall, spreading 20 to 35 feet at maturity. They grow at a moderate rate in a pyramidal form, with large limbs growing upright from narrow crotches where they join the main trunk. Their numerous short branching stems on these limbs eventually cause the canopy to spread a bit with age. Pear tree leaves are shaped like elongated eggs, rounded at their base with irregularly toothed edges and pointed tips. Measuring from 1 1/2 to 3 inches long, they are a glossy light green in season, turning a gorgeious deep wine red in October just before they drop.
Individual pear blossoms are about 1/3 inch across. Pale white, they appear in delicate clusters in early spring before, or just as, the new leaves emerge. Although they have a fragrance, it is not particularly pleasant. The flowers give way to inconspicuous fruits which are obscured by the foliage. Only 1/2 inch or so in diameter, these little knobs are green at first, turning to russet or black and are interesting only to birds.
Callery Pear Choices
Callery Pear cultivars are handsome small to medium sized trees.
Autumn Blaze has a wide spreading crown and is one of the most winter hardy cultivars. It has an excellent maroon red fall color.
Bradford Narrow conical shaped lawn and shade tree displays outstanding clusters of white flowers early in sason; terrific yellow to red to purpole foliage color in fall. Beautiful garden addition that produces no edible fruit. Deciduous. Fuyll sun. Moderate grower to 30 to 35 feet tall, 20 to 25 feet wide, larger and broader with age. This is an older cultivar that has been heavily planted in areas where it is adapted. Some of the newer cultivars are hardier. Not recommended in the upper midwest. Grown by Monrovia.
Chanticleer has a narrow pyramidal crown that becomes more oval with age. Nearly as hardy as Autumn Blaze.
Cleveland Select is an excellent street tree with dense white flowering in early spring and purple fall coloring some years. It has an attractive upright oval form and glossy green leaves. This pear has a superior branch structure that withstands ice and wind damage better than the Bradford Pear. It is fruitless has few pest problems, tolerates urban conditions, and heavy clay soils. Full sun. Moderate grower to 40 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. Grown by Monrovia.
