Keeping up with Invasive Species: Callery Pear

Originally posted on: Ohio Department of Natural Resources View Original Article

The ornamental Callery Pear tree was first introduced to North America in the early 1900s, and quickly became a favorite in the landscaping community due to their adaptability, densely clustered showy white flowers, and beautiful fall foliage.

In recent years, the Callery Pear tree has become less desirable in landscape design due to its weak limbs that are a common casualty to storm damage.

It was believed to be unable to reproduce by seed, however, due to cross pollination, and distribution by birds eating the pears in late Fall, the Callery Pear tree has become a nuisance along roadways and in old fields, leading to its notoriety as an invasive species. As of January 1, 2023, the Callery Pear will be illegal to plant, grow, or sell in Ohio.