Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'
Bradford Callery Pear

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.