Callery Pear Alternatives, Part 2

Callery Pear Alternatives, Part 2

In the previous post, I gave a brief synopsis on the popularization of Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), how it became invasive, and why the PA Department of Agriculture’s decision to ban it is appropriate. Remember that Callery pear is the name for the species that is more commonly referred to as “flowering pear”, “ornamental pear” or its first cultivar “Bradford pear.” Today, it’s most recognized by the cultivar ‘Cleveland Select’ (and to a lesser extent, ‘Aristocrat’ and ‘Autumn Blaze’).

If you’re a homeowner or landscaper who is accustomed to planting Callery pear and you’re worried about your planting prospects moving forward, don’t be. There are many other trees that fill the same functional and aesthetic roles in the landscape. This post is dedicated to learning about the many alternatives available.

I consider there to be two main reasons for why Callery pears are planted. The first is because they’re pretty flowering trees that are hardy and adaptable.  We all like flowering trees and none of us want to coddle or replace the ones we plant. Being a horticulture staple for a long time also gives them “street cred.”

The second reason, with ‘Cleveland Select’ now being the favored cultivar, is the attractive upright or elliptical growth habit. Trees that grow half as wide as they do tall allow them to be used in smaller landscapes, as street trees, or as vertical accents in formal settings.

The good news is there are other trees that fit the bill.

I. Hardy, Flowering Alternatives to Callery Pear

If you’re looking for small flowering ornamentals that are also tough landscape trees, these are my top recommendations among what we generally have available.

1. Flowering Hawthorn

Many flowering hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) make excellent flowering pear replacements. We usually have the forms ‘Winter King’ and ‘Crusader’ in stock. Like flowering pear, both are loaded with white flowers in mid-spring and have striking fall color. They also have attractive ornamental fruit, more so with ‘Winter King’, which birds enjoy. As these two hawthorns are selections from native species, they don’t become invasive.

Like Callery pear, hawthorns are very hardy trees. They tolerate difficult soil, prolonged dry spells (once established), heat, wind, and pollution. Avoid wet soils, however. They make a fine specimen in both home landscapes and tough urban settings. ‘Winter King’ is my favorite flowering ornamental.

Tip: Avoid planting near junipers to reduce the risk of unsightly but non-fatal cedar-hawthorn and cedar-quince rusts. For the record, Callery pear can also be affected when planted by junipers.

2. Serviceberry

Another native tree with attractive white flowers, serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) is a stellar substitute for Callery pear. We usually have the cultivars ‘Autumn Brilliance’ (Apple serviceberry) and ‘Rainbow Pillar’ (Canadian serviceberry) in stock.

Serviceberries are naturally a multi-stemmed tree, but we do sell trained single trunk specimens. While not as formal looking as Callery pear, they serve as a great replacement for all the right reasons. In addition to showy flowers, they have great fall color and are very reliable. The blueberry-like fruit ripens in summer but will never need cleanup since they’re highly favored by birds.

Like Callery pear, serviceberry tolerates various growing conditions such as difficult soils, wet soils (not standing water), moderate dry spells (once established), heat, wind, salt, and mild pollution.

Tip: Avoid planting near junipers to reduce the risk of unsightly but non-fatal cedar-hawthorn and cedar-quince rusts.  For the record, Callery pear can also be affected when planted by junipers.

3. Flowering Crabapple

Flowering crabapples (Malus spp.) come in an array of flower and foliage colors so there’s a lot to choose from. ‘Sugar Tyme™’ and ‘Spring Snow’ are white flowering forms. ‘Sugar Tyme™’ is probably one of the best crabapples in terms of habit and disease resistance. It does produce small crabapples (similar in size to Callery pear fruit) and while I don’t consider them messy, I’d still plant away from walkways. ‘Spring Snow’ tends to be much less vigorous but as it’s genetically sterile, it’s great for areas with heavy foot traffic.

If pink, fuchsia, or magenta flowers are desired (even though flowering pear only comes in white), you have even more options. We usually carry the cultivars ‘Perfect Purple’ (magenta-pink flowers), ‘Prairie Fire’ (pink-red), ‘Profusion’ (magenta-pink), and ‘Royal Raindrops®’ (magenta-pink). Flowering crabapples also come in various habits, such as the upright forms ‘Emerald Spire’ and ‘Raspberry Spear.’

Like Callery pear, crabapples are tough trees that thrive in both home landscapes and urban settings. They will tolerate most adversities such as difficult soil, prolonged dry spells (once established), heat, wind, salt, and pollution. Avoid wet soils, however.

Tip: Avoid planting near any junipers to reduce the risk of unsightly but non-fatal cedar apple rust, cedar-quince rust, and cedar-hawthorn rust. Don’t let this discourage you, crabapples are everywhere, and they do great.

4. Flowering Cherry

Flowering cherry (Prunus spp.) can also be a substitute for Callery pear since many of them are as durable as they are pretty. Flowering in early to mid-spring and offering an array of fall colors, ornamental cherries work great in both home landscapes and urban settings.  We usually carry ‘Akebono Yoshino’ which has white flowers with subtle pink hues.

We also carry ‘Autumn Higan’ (light pink flowers) which typically has a small rebloom in the fall and ‘Kwanzan’ (double, deep pink flowers) which boasts a vase-like habit in youth.

Flowering cherries aren’t at the top of my list of “trees for miserable areas” but they are surprisingly resilient. I see many thrive as street trees and I admire, of course, the robust nature of DC’s Tidal Basin populations despite the foot traffic they endure. Within reason, they will tolerate difficult soil, prolonged dry spells (once established), heat, wind, and pollution. Avoid wet soils, however.

Tip: Plant in a location with full sun and airflow to reduce the risk of cherry leaf spot (also known as shot-hole disease). This is a non-fatal but unsightly pathogen which affects the leaves. Avoid pruning practices that stimulate denser growth and instead encourage a more open crown.

5. Kousa and Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Not to be confused with our native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), which doesn’t tolerate subpar growing conditions, the Kousa dogwood (C. kousa) is a bit more flexible. While I prefer to recommend native trees, when possible, if your second instinct after a flowering pear is to try a dogwood (and you know your growing area is difficult), I would recommend this species. If you have a reasonable area in the home landscape, try Cornus florida though. If it’s an urban setting, a Kousa dogwood or its hybrids, such as “Stellar Pink”, may be better choices.

Hybrid dogwoods like ‘Stellar Pink’ usually flower after the native species but before the Kousa does (late May/June). Flowers may be white or pink and fall color consists of vibrant reds and purples.

Cornelian Cherry dogwoods (Cornus mas) are tougher than Kousa dogwoods in most respects. They look different than other dogwoods, hosting small yellow flowers in March, making it one of our earliest flowering trees. Like Callery pear, they’ll tolerate almost anything including difficult soils, prolonged dry spells (once established), heat, wind, salt, and pollution. Avoid wet soils, however. The sour but edible fruit, similar in size to Callery pear, is usually of little concern.

Tip: Remember that Kousa dogwood is very adaptable but not indestructible. Cornelian cherry is much hardier except it will not tolerate wet areas, especially in winter.

6. Blackhaw and Nannyberry Viburnum

Similar in habit to serviceberry, Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium) and Nannyberry (V. lentago) are small multi-stemmed trees that can be grown as single trunk specimens if desired. Boasting white flowers in spring and brilliant fall color (especially Blackhaw), these two species are great ornamental trees to plant in both landscape settings and urban areas.

Both viburnum species are as durable as Callery pear and will tolerate almost anything including difficult soils, prolonged dry spells (once established), heat, wind, salt, and pollution. Avoid wet soils, however. Both produce small fruits which birds enjoy, but are not messy.

Tip: To prevent powdery mildew, unsightly but nonfatal blemishes, plant nannyberry in a location with good air flow.

7. Other Nice Trees with White Flowers

While I don’t consider trees in this category to be as iron-clad as Callery pear, nor similar in appearance, they are still excellent and will grow well as long as the growing sites suit their needs.

White Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Alba’) is a handsome tree that never gets the limelight that its pink and purple flowering cohorts receive. Redbuds are tolerant of clay soils but demand good drainage and tend to dislike windy, exposed sites. Avoid any extremes.

Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina) is a stunning tree with white bell-shaped flowers and respectable golden fall color. It likes evenly moist, well drained soils and tends to dislike windy, exposed sites. Avoid extremes.

Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus) is a pretty tree with white bell-shaped flowers and nice yellow fall color. It likes average soil conditions, and while not tolerant of extremes, is very adaptable.

Royal Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’) is one of the earliest flowering trees that boasts showy, white flowers. While not tolerant of extremes, it’s very adaptable.

II. Hardy Trees with Upright Habit – Alternative to ‘Cleveland Select’ Pear

One of the desirable attributes with ‘Cleveland Select’ is the upright or elliptical shape of the crown. Whereas most trees (including ‘Bradford’) grow as wide as they do tall, this narrower form matures at 30-40’ high but 10-15’ wide at maturity, making it versatile for small yards, street plantings, screening, and as formal accents.

The good news is that there are other trees that grow with the same upright habit and size dimensions. Trees listed below all make good home and commercial landscaping specimens, as well as street trees. While we don’t guarantee these are always in stock at any given moment, these are trees we typically have available.

• Regal Prince Oak (Quercus x warei ‘Regal Prince’)
  

  Upright oak, likely ‘Regal Prince’, but there are many. Cincinnati, OH.

  • 40-50’ high, 20’ wide at maturity.
  • Dense habit, strong wood, glossy thick foliage like Callery pear
  • Wind and cold tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.

• Beacon® Oak (Quercus bicolor ‘Bonnie and Mike’)
  • 40-50’ high, 15’ wide at maturity.
  • Dense habit, strong wood, glossy thick foliage like Callery pear.
  • Wind and cold tolerant. Wet tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.
  • Native cultivar.

• Crimson Spire™ Oak (Quercus ‘Crimschmidt’)
  • 40-50′ high, 15′ wide at maturity.
  • Dense habit, strong wood, thick foliage.
  • Wind and cold tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.

• Red Rocket Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Red Rocket’)
  

  Regal Prince Oak. Utah State Botanical Garden, UT.

  • 40’ high, 10’ wide at maturity.
  • Tight habit, excellent red fall color.
  • Wind and cold tolerant. Wet tolerant.
  • Mildly heat and drought tolerant once established.
  • Native cultivar. Seedless.

• Tupelo Tower™ Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica ‘WFH1’)
  • 40’ high, 15-20’ wide at maturity.
  • Tight habit. Excellent orange-red fall color.
  • Wind and cold tolerant. Wet tolerant.
  • Mildly heat and drought tolerant once established.
  • Native cultivar.

• Fastigiate European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’)
  • 40’ high, 25-30’ wide at maturity.
  • Dense habit, strong wood. Appreciable yellow fall color.
  • Wind and cold tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.

• Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’)
  

  Upright red maple, likely ‘Red Rocket’, ‘Bowhall’ or ‘Columnare.’ Murrysville, PA.

  • 40’ high, 20-25’ wide at maturity.
  • Dense habit, strong wood. Appreciable yellow fall color.
  • Wind and cold tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.

• Lucas European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Lucas’)
  • 40’ high, 10-15’ wide at maturity.
  • Dense habit, strong wood. Appreciable yellow fall color.
  • Wind and cold tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.

• Slender Silhouette Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Slender Silhouette’)
  • 40-50’ high, 5-8’ wide at maturity.
  • Very tight, narrow habit. Excellent variable fall color.
  • Wind and cold tolerant. Wet tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.
  • Native cultivar. Limited fruit production but better in larger beds away from walkways.

• Lindsey’s Skyward Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum ‘Skyward’)
  

  Slender Silhouette Sweetgum. Mt Cuba Center, DE.

  • 25-30’ high, 10-15’ wide at maturity.
  • Very dense, upright habit. Looks evergreen but is not. Soft foliage. Russet fall color.
  • Wind and cold tolerant. Wet tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.
  • Native cultivar

• Arnold Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Arnold’)
  • 60’ high, 20’ wide at maturity.
  • Dense, upright habit. Fast growth. Bright yellow fall color.
  • Very adaptable and hardy but not tolerant of extremes.
  • Native cultivar.

• Rainbow Pillar® Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis ‘Glenn Form’)
  • 20’ high, 10’ wide at maturity.
  • Upright habit. Very nice spring flowers. Excellent variable fall color.
  • Very adaptable and hardy but not tolerant of extremes.
  • Native cultivar.

• Moonglow® Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana ‘Jim Wilson’)
  

  Upright hornbeam, likely ‘Fastigiata’. Washington DC.

  • 25-30 high, 10-20’ wide at maturity.
  • Loosely upright habit. Modest summer flowers but stunning fragrance. Appreciable yellow fall color.
  • Cold and wind tolerant. Wet tolerant.
  • Mildly heat tolerant but not drought tolerant.
  • Native cultivar.

• Dawyck Purple European Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’)
  • 40-50′ high, 15′ wide at maturity.
  • Dense, upright habit. Purple foliage. Copper fall color. Smooth grey bark.
  • Cold and wind tolerant.
  • Mildly heat and dry tolerant but not drought tolerant.

• Dawyck Gold European Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Gold’)
  • 40-50′ high, 15′ wide at maturity.
  • Dense upright habit. Bright gold foliage in spring which later subdues to green. Copper fall color. Smooth grey bark.
  • Cold and wind tolerant.
  • Mildly heat and dry tolerant but not drought tolerant.

• Red Obelisk European Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Red Obelisk’)
  

  Upright Tulip poplar. Washington DC.

  • 40-50′ high, 10′ wide at maturity.
  • Dense upright habit. Purple-red foliage. Copper fall color. Smooth grey bark.
  • Cold and wind tolerant.
  • Mildly heat and dry tolerant but not drought tolerant.

• Emerald Spire® Crabapple (Malus x adstringens ‘Jefgreen’)
  • 15’ high, 6’ wide at maturity.
  • Tight, upright habit. Showy spring flowers. Appreciable yellow fall color.
  • Cold and wind tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant.
  • Some fruit, so plant in larger beds.

• Raspberry Spear® Crabapple (Malus ‘JFS KW213MX’)
  

  Upright beech in winter. Chicago Botanic Garden, IL.

  • 20’ high, 8’ wide at maturity.
  • Tight, upright habit. Showy spring flowers. Appreciable orange fall color.
  • Cold and wind tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant.
  • Small persistent fruit, so street tree use is good.

• Arnold Sentinel Pine (Pinus nigra ‘Arnold Sentinel’)
  • 30’ high, 10’ wide at mautirty.
  • Dense, upright habit. Evergreen.
  • Wind and cold tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.

• Fastigiate White Pine (Pinus strobus ‘Fastigiata’)
  

  Upright Eastern white pines in winter. Chicago, IL.

  • 50’ high, 25’ wide at maturity.
  • Upright habit. Soft needles. Evergreen.
  • Wind and cold tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.
  • Native cultivar. Best planted away from walkways (pine needles).

• Stowe Pillar White Pine (Pinus strobus ‘Stowe Pillar’)
  • 50’ high, 10-15’ wide at maturity.
  • Upright habit. Soft needles. Evergreen.
  • Wind and cold tolerant.
  • Heat and drought tolerant once established.
  • Native cultivar. Best planted away from walkways (pine needles).

Callery Pear Ban

Ecology discussions aside, I think this ban has the potential to give overlooked, and frankly superior trees, a boost. Many underutilized trees sit in nurseries simply because they don’t have the long-standing prestige that Callery pear has. My hope is this move will result in more diversity in Pittsburgh gardens and landscapes.

Of course, the environmental aspect of this discussion is the heart of the issue, and I believe our goal with landscaping should always be to work in harmony with nature, not against it. Per the saying we read on our local electronic billboards, let’s “keep PA beautiful.”

We look forward to seeing you this spring.

Photos credit and courtesy to Indigenous Landscapes. Indigenous Landscapes (indigescapes.com)

Section II photos taken by the author.