Callery pear is infamously known for its pungent scent



department of agriculture


Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].

April 1, 2025

April Weed of the Month: Callery Pear

Callery pear is infamously known for its pungent scent

*By Julia Dellick, Minnesota Department of Agriculture* - It is finally April, the snow is melting, and the fantastic smell of spring is in the air. However, if you are smelling something foul, it might just be Callery pear ("Pyrus calleryana"). Callery pear is famously known for its attractive white spring blooms and infamously known for its pungent scent, which has been associated with rotting fish and other unsavory odors. The well-known Bradford pear is one of many Callery pear varieties.

In addition to its distinct smell, you can identify a Callery pear by its key characteristics. This small, deciduous tree has a rounded to triangular shape and features leaves up to 3 inches long with a teardrop-like form and finely toothed edges. In the fall, the leaf color changes from green to a striking orange or reddish-purple color. In the early springtime, the flowers bloom in clusters with each flower having five white delicate petals. It is hard to recognize as a pear tree as it produces small, spherical fruits about a half inch in diameter that only soften after a frost.

Small round brownish fruit on tree stems [ [link removed] ]

Cluster of Callery pear fruit. "Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org "

*Download picture here [ [link removed] ]*

________________________________________________________________________



Originally introduced to the United States in the early 1900s, Callery pear was used as rootstock to help keep domestic pear species healthy. Since then, it has rapidly grown in popularity as a landscape and ornamental tree due to its flowers, fall color, drought resistance, and quick growth. Callery pear varieties can’t pollinate other trees of the same variety. However, when multiple varieties are planted nearby, there can be cross-pollination resulting in seed production. There is a new and promising variety in development called ‘Chastity’ that reportedly produces little to no seed.

Over time, several issues led Callery pear to be considered a blight on the landscape. Its rapid growth and structural weaknesses result in fragile branches that often break under their own weight. This problem worsens during mild to moderate storms, causing further damage to the tree and potentially leading to property damage, messy yards, or even injury. Additionally, Callery pears can quickly spread along roadways and into natural areas, outcompeting native vegetation. Their seeds are easily dispersed by birds. Once the tree escapes into native environments, these wild trees can grow thick, woody thorns that can puncture through shoes and tires.

Trees in bloom with numerous white flowers. [ [link removed] ]

Two mature Callery pear trees in full bloom. "Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org "

*Download picture here [ [link removed] ]*

________________________________________________________________________



To remove these trees from the landscape:


* The best practice would be to first remove any mature, fruit bearing trees to reduce spread by seed. Mature trees can be managed by using cut stump treatment and by using basal bark treatment or stem griddling.
* Callery pear saplings may be treated with foliar herbicide applications or removed by hand, but be cautious of the thorns. With manual removal, it is also important to completely remove the roots as even small root fragments can resprout, producing more plants.
* Cutting and mowing of newly developing saplings are somewhat effective at reducing regrowth, but to improve success, herbicide applications should also be applied in tandem. It is recommended to implement regular maintenance programs and scouting to manage the infestation, as the trees may reinfest areas if a nearby seed source is present.

For more information on control methods, check out the Minnesota DNR’s Callery pear webpage [ [link removed]. ], and if you’re seeking specific herbicide recommendations, contact your University of Minnesota Regional Extension Educator. [ [link removed] ]

Due to the invasive nature of the Callery pear, a three-year production phase-out period was issued in 2023, after which sale of this species will be prohibited in Minnesota. Beginning in 2026, the species will be designated as a Restricted Noxious Weed. Restricted Noxious Weeds and their propagating parts may not be imported, sold, or transported in Minnesota. The current Minnesota Noxious Weed list can be found on our website [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



For more information on noxious weeds and invasive insects, listen and subscribe to Smarty Plants [ [link removed] ], a Minnesota Department of Agriculture podcast. 

*MEDIA: *Contact Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications, at [email protected] or 651-201-6131 for more information on Weed of the Month






Stay Connected with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture:   Facebook [ [link removed] ] Twitter [ [link removed] ] Youtube [ [link removed] ] Flickr [ [link removed] ] Flickr [ [link removed] ] Govdelivery [ [link removed] ]  

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]



 

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Agriculture ·625 Robert Street N · Saint Paul, MN 55155 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]


body .abe-column-block {min-height: 5px;} table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:7px; margin-right:7px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}