Monday Plant Feature

Featured Plant:

Name: Pyrus calleryana (Ornamental flowering pear, Callery pear)

1. Family: Rosaceae
2. Plant type: Medium sized tree
3. Exposure: Full sun
4. Branching pattern: Alternate
5. Habit: Species has an upright habit, to about 45-60 feet tall. Different named cultivars take on different habits; some are more spreading while others are narrow.
6. Foliage: Simple leaves, light glossy green in spring, emerging as flowers are blooming. Scarlet red in the fall. branches also sport thick thorns here and there.
7. Flowers: 5 petaled white flowers, unpleasant smell may be present.
8. Fruit: Small round ornamental pears. Persistent through winter, attracting birds.
9. Similar species: Pyrus communis (common pear), Pyrus pyrifolia (Chinese Sand Pear), Pyrus ussuriensis (Ussurian pear)
10. Other: Extremely tolerant of adverse conditions; heat, drought, and compacted soils. This makes them a suitable street tree. This tree looks great while in full bloom, then as the leaves emerge. The fall color is also vibrant, which is particularly notable in areas with less spectacular autumn colors. This tree is not a favorite of mine, but this is definitely the time of year to enjoy them!