Ohio Warns of Invasive Tree’s Annual Bloom
The infamous Callery pear tree has started blooming across Ohio, releasing an odor that many compare to rotting fish and decaying organic matter. This invasive species, banned from sale or planting since January 1, 2023, remains a major concern for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
From Asia to American Lawns: A Problem in Bloom
Originally imported from Asia in the early 1900s to combat fire blight, a bacterial disease affecting common pear trees, the Callery pear failed to fulfill its breeding promise but gained popularity for its white flowers and rounded canopy. Despite its aesthetic appeal, it emits an unpleasant smell during bloom season and spreads aggressively into wild areas.
Multiple Varieties, One Big Problem
Known cultivars like ‘Bradford’ Pear, ‘Autumn Blaze’, and ‘Cleveland Select’ begin blooming in late March through early April. “They are just starting to bloom,” said Tom Macy, Forest Health Program Manager at ODNR. “Over the next few weeks, they’ll become even more obvious.”
Preferred Alternatives for Ohio Yards
- Serviceberry Trees – Native, pollinator-friendly, and edible berries
- Eastern Redbuds – Vibrant spring blooms and native appeal
- American Plum – Hardy, native fruit tree
- Flowering Dogwoods – Iconic blooms and wildlife support
Ecological Consequences and Odor Complaints
The Callery pear produces dense thickets that choke out native flora and provide little benefit to wildlife and pollinators. Its branches are brittle, breaking easily under snow or high winds, making it undesirable for urban planting.
Legal Status and Regional Bans
Ohio, along with Pennsylvania and South Carolina, has implemented a full ban on the sale, cultivation, or distribution of the Callery pear. It has now spread across 38 states, disrupting native ecosystems across the Midwest, South, and Mid-Atlantic.
Other States Discourage planting the Callery Pear
Besides Ohio, states that have banned or are considering banning the sale and cultivation of the invasive Callery pear include South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Kansas, with other states discouraging its planting.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Bans in Place:
- Ohio: As of January 1, 2023, it’s illegal to sell, grow, or plant Callery pears in Ohio.
- South Carolina: A ban on new Bradford pear sales took effect on October 1, 2024.
- Pennsylvania: A ban on the sale and cultivation of the tree took effect in February 2024.
- Future Bans or Restrictions:
- Kansas: The Kansas Department of Agriculture proposed a ban on bringing or moving Callery pears into or within the state, effective January 1, 2027.
- States Discouraging Planting:
- Oklahoma and Minnesota: Public agencies and university extension departments in these states discourage people from planting the species
Why the Tree Still Persists
Although planting the tree is illegal, homeowners who already have a Callery pear on their property are not required to remove it. However, state officials strongly encourage removal and replacement with native species to protect Ohio’s biodiversity.
FAQs about the Callery Pear
- Native Range:The Callery pear’s natural habitat is in East Asia, encompassing regions like China, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.
- Introduction to North America:It was introduced to North America in the early 1900s, initially for use as rootstock for domesticated pears and later as an ornamental tree, particularly the Bradford pear cultivar.
- Bradford Pear:The Bradford pear cultivar, a popular ornamental tree, was developed from the Callery pear and became very popular in the 1960s.
- Invasive Potential:While initially prized for its beauty and adaptability, the Callery pear, including the Bradford cultivar, has proven to be invasive in many areas, outcompeting native vegetation and forming dense thickets.
- Spread:Birds and other animals are known to spread the seeds of Callery pear, contributing to its rapid expansion into natural areas.
- Concern:The invasive nature of Callery pear has led to concerns and even bans in some states, as it can negatively impact ecosystems and native plant communities.
- Cultivar:Several cultivars of Callery pear exist, including ‘Bradford’, ‘Chanticleer’, ‘Cleveland Select’, ‘Autumn Blaze’, and ‘Aristocrat’.