Bradford Pear

*Invasive species

Common Names: Callery Pear, Bradford Pear
Native to: Native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; widely naturalized in the United States
Lighting Requirements: Full sun
Height: 30–50 feet
Width: 20–30 feet
Winter Look: Deciduous; bare branches in winter with a distinctive branching structure (no prominent central leader)
Seasonal Interest: Clusters of white flowers in early spring before leaves appear; vibrant green foliage in summer that transitions to red, orange, and yellow in fall
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
Soil Requirements: Tolerates a variety of soils, including clay, limestone, loam, and sandy soils; prefers well-drained soils
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Deer Resistance: Low; often browsed by deer, especially in the early stages of growth
Attracts: Bees (for pollination of flowers)
Potential Issues: Short-lived (often 20–30 years); prone to structural issues, including weak branching and susceptibility to wind and storm damage

Notes: This tree is often chosen for ornamental purposes (beautiful spring blooms and striking fall color), but its drawbacks are its invasiveness, weak wood, and relatively short lifespan. Please don't plant this tree where branches can fall on your house or vehicles because they will.

My sister's neighborhood in Pflugerville had a Bradford Pear planted in almost every yard when the homes were built. The homes were built in the late 90s, and the trees started noticeably dying in 2016 and are basically all dead now except for a few. My sister's house was one of the random ones that got Red Oaks, which are beautiful and healthy!