Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'
Bradford Callery Pear

 This plant is considered invasive.

Pyrus calleryana ′Bradford′ - Flowering Tree
 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Growth Forms:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flower Notes:
White (White flowers (0.38-0.75" dia.) in 3" dia. coymbs before or with the leaves late April)
 Foliage Notes:
Green (Glossy dark green summer foliage); Multi-Colored (The glossy fall foliage is a range of scarlets and purples)
 Fruit Notes:
Brown (Round, persistent on tree; not ornamentally important)
 Ultimate Height:
30-50 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
20-35 feet
 Light Requirements:
 Soil Notes:
Widely adapted to soils, including dry soils
 Range:
Cultivated origin
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
Leaves (1.5-3" long) are alternate, simple, leathery, and lustrous dark green with crenated margins and formed on short spurs (spurs like those of Malus). Long petioles allow the leaves to flutter in the wind. Wooly 0.5" long buds. Round, dull reddish-yellow, russet dotted pome fruits are 0.5" or less in diameter.
  Special Characteristics:
  • Drought Tolerant 275
  • Pollution Tolerant 217
  • Fall Color 206
  • Fast Growth Rate 225
  • Midwest Invasive 38
  • Shade Tree 170
  • Specimen 598
  • Street Tree 132

    • Additional Information

    The cultivar 'Bradford' was exceedingly popular in the recent past, becoming overused because of its beautiful white flower show and outstanding scarlet to purple fall color. However, it is now advised not to use this short-lived cultivar, as it has very weak wood and tight branch angles and is quite prone to serious breakage. Forms narrow crotch angles that can result in a larger tree literally splitting in two. Flowers are malodorous and often killed by late spring freezes. Very small fruits are a litter problem when abundant. Some fireblight susceptiblity. Considered invasive in many areas.

    When Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

    Flowering

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
    No Fruiting Observations Available

    20 Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' found

    Building Map...

    Other plants like this Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' (Bradford Callery Pear)

    Communication

    University Resources

    Sustainability Resources

    Arboretum Resources

    Purdue University Logo Purdue University Logo

    The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Physical Facilities Grounds Department

    Purdue Arboretum, 625 Agriculture Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
    © 2025 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Integrity Statement | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by the Purdue Arboretum
    Contact Purdue Arboretum at arboretum@purdue.edu for accessibility issues with this page | Accessibility Resources | Contact Us