Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana)
Tracheophyta: Angiospermae: Dicot: Rose (Rosaceae)
Non-native, from Asia
Habitat: most soil conditions in full sun.
ID Features: toothed oval leaves.
Natural History: The Bradford pear is commonly found in urban yards. It is a cultivated and thornless fruit tree with white flowers which grows rapidly to nearly 40 feet. It will grow in any area except for extremely dry soil types. It is a poor choice for landscaping since it has very narrow branch angles and breaks in wind and ice storms. It is commonly planted because of its low cost, rapid growth, and conical shape. The wood has no value.
Trees of Missouri by Carl Settergren and Re. E. McDermott, University of Missouri-Columbia Agricultural Experiment Station, ©1979.