Scientific Information on Bradford Pear Trees

History

• The species Pyrus calleryana is native to China. Frank Meyer, an American scientist, wanted to bring the seeds to America, as they were resistant to fire blight, which was killing off pear trees in the states at the time. Meyer died under mysterious circumstances while in China, but the seeds did make their way back to the states, where they were studied by Frederick Charles Bradford. Bradford discovered that the trees did not produce edible fruit, but that they were attractive. He thought that one of the varieties might make a nice ornamental tree, but died of a heart attack while at work. His successor, Frank L. Creech, choose a particularly lovely variety, named it after his deceased boss and released it to the public in 1963. Thus, the Bradford pear was born.

Climate

• Bradford pears require a cooling period to bloom. They grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5A through 9A and will thrive in any type of soil as long as it drains well. They prefer conditions on the dry soil, but will tolerate soil that is occasionally moist. Full sun is essential for the proper blooming and fruiting of these trees.

Appearance

• These medium-sized trees are fast-growing, with a narrow, oval-shaped canopy. They average between 30 and 40 feet tall with a width equal to about one-third of their height. The white flowers, which appear in early spring before the leaves, form clusters that average about 3 inches in diameter. The bright green, ovate leaves last through summer and turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold -- all on the same tree -- in autumn.

Problems

• The narrow angles of the branches give the tree its pleasing shape, but these same angles, coupled with the long, thin shape of the branches, contribute to the tree's overall weak structure. The branches are easily broken by strong winds or ice. In some cases, trees have been known to split entirely in half. They often develop thorns and can be messy when the fruits drop, although birds love the fruit and may pluck the tree clean before then.