In this article, we will compare and contrast the Callery pear tree with the Bradford pear tree so that you can fully understand the differences between them. We will go over how they relate to one another as well as what they look like when fully grown. Plus, we will go over what these trees were once used for as well as what they are used for today. Let’s get started now!
Comparing Callery Pear vs Bradford Pear
Key Differences Between Callery Pear vs Bradford Pear
There are a few key differences between the Callery pear tree and the Bradford pear tree. For example, the Bradford pear is the most common cultivar of the Callery pear species, leading to some confusion in their names. However, Callery pear trees produce thorns on new branches, while the Bradford pear variety was originally bred to produce no thorns. In addition, some Callery pear varieties grow much taller than the Bradford pear variety. Let’s go over all of these differences and a few others in detail now.
Callery Pear vs Bradford Pear: Classification
One of the reasons why Callery pears and Bradford pears are confused for one another is because they are technically closely related. For example, all Bradford pears are Callery pears, but not all Callery pears are Bradford pears. The Bradford pear variety was created to produce no seeds or thorns, making it safer to grow and less invasive than other Callery pear cultivars. While this plan didn’t pan out in the end, it is a key difference between them!
Callery Pear vs Bradford Pear: Description
You likely can’t tell the difference between a Callery pear and a Bradford pear upon first glance, given the fact that these trees are essentially the same. However, the Bradford pear was bred with some unique characteristics that are separate from most Callery pear varieties. For example, some Callery pear species grow taller than the average Bradford pear, sometimes over 20 feet taller. Both of these trees produce beautiful white flowers that often bloom before any other trees in the area, though Bradford pear flowers have a distinct smell that not all Callery pear flowers share. In addition to this, Callery pear branches tend to have sharp thorns on them, while Bradford pears were specifically bred to not feature this. Finally, Bradford pears cannot produce seeds on their own, but other Callery pear varieties can.
Callery Pear vs Bradford Pear: Uses
Callery pears and Bradford pears were originally used for the same purpose. Planted en masse after being introduced to the United States, Callery pears and Bradford pears became one of the most popular ornamental trees of their time. However, landscape experts quickly realized that these trees are highly invasive and spread easily, as well as being difficult to remove due to their sharp thorns. That’s why both Callery pears and Bradford pears are viewed as invasive, and most people are discouraged from planting them today.
Callery Pear vs Bradford Pear: Origin and How to Grow
Callery pears and Bradford pears both originated in China, transported to the United States for use as ornamental plants. The Bradford pear originated because it is one of the most resistant types of Callery pear when it comes to fighting off fire blight, a type of disease in trees. While these trees are not recommended for planting, they grow easily in a variety of soil types and locations, thriving in full sunlight.
Callery Pear vs Bradford Pear: Blooming Time of Year
One of the main reasons that Callery pear varieties, including Bradford pears, were introduced in the first place is because of their beautiful blooms. Both Bradford pears and Callery pears produce clusters of white blossoms, often before any other flowering tree. These flowers appear in early spring, typically in February, with the Bradford pear tree blooming faster than other Callery pear varieties.
