Pyrus calleryana     

Flowering Pear

Family:  Rosaceae
Zone:  4-9                          Average Size:  30-40’H x 25’W

Identification: 

-Oval to ovate leaf, leathery and glossy green
-Hard, marble-like fruit, silver in color
-Densely branched forming a distinctive pyramidal to oval form

Note:   A widely planted street and parking lot tree throughout the Eastern United States.  Distinctive form, white spring flowers and excellent red to purple fall color gives this species outstanding ornamental quality.  In Southern Louisiana accelerated growth rate and disease pressure (primarily fireblight) cause Pyrus calleryana to be a relatively short lived species.  Many cultivars exist, ‘Bradford’ being the most popular.

Campus Location: Sturgis Hall, east entry.