16 City Trees
S M A R O U N D T A B L E
Pyrus, We Have A Problem
Since its debut on the cover of American Nurseryman
magazine in 1963, the popularity of Bradford pear (Pyrus
calleryana 'Bradford') soared as a street-tough tree with
three full seasons of beauty. In early spring, Bradford pear
trees erupt into bloom with ovate snowballs of bright white
flowers that give rise to leathery, dark glossy green leaves. In
the fall, the persistent leaves explode into shades of orange,
red, and purple. In many arenas, Bradford pear also has
Excerpted below is an article written by Clemson University's Bob Polomski about the increasing-
ly problematic Callery pear. That article spurred us to get field reports from colleagues of his in
South Carolina and from urban foresters in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri.
Volunteer pears on the march! Photo by Brett O'Brien
From the Darling of the Nursery Industry to the Invasive Watch List
By Bob Polomski, Ph.D., Clemson Extension Specialist & Horticulture/Adjunct Asst. Prof., Clemson Dept. of Plant &
Environmental Sciences
