Bradford Pear

Bradford Pears in the Fall

The Bradford Pear, a variation of the Callery Pear (pyrus calleryana) is native to China and Vietnam. It was first introduced into the United States by the USDA (originally thought to be seedless and sterile). It is tolerant of a variety of soil types and remarkably resistant to sickness. It is planted mainly for ornamental purposes in many urban and suburban communities.

Bradford Pears in the Spring

Its wood can also be used to make woodwind instruments. The Bradford Pear, while beautiful, is not the best smelling tree. This species is considered invasive mainly because of its ability to cross pollinate.

 The Bradford Pear is unable to pollinate itself or species strictly similar to it. This was the main reason it was brought into the United States. It can however, pollinate other types/variations of its species. These pollinated trees produce fruits with seeds, which are later consumed by birds. Birds excrete these seeds, which grow into new trees. The new Bradford Pear tree (different in genetic makeup as a result of cross pollination) grow and compete with other plant life, producing a dense shade which prevents anything from growing under it. As a result of this lack of grass and other plant life, the soil is more prone to erosion, making it even more impossible to plant anything under this tree.

Fruit produced by the Bradford Pear

http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/archived_invaders/archived_invaders_2007_04.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrus_calleryana#Invasiveness
http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2011/02/28/i-just-hate-bradford-pear/
http://www.hrwc.net/callerypear.htm