Skip to main content

Omaha tree guide

Callery pear (including ‘Bradford’)

Pyrus calleryana

The Nebraska Invasive Species Council documents Callery pear as a common ornamental that can escape into roadsides, fields, hedgerows, forest edges, wetlands, and forests.

Sources checked: 2026-08-02Next source review: 2027-02-02Independent professional review: not completed

What this page can tell you

How to recognize this kind of tree

Callery pear is Pyrus calleryana; ‘Bradford’ is one named cultivar, and ornamental pear is another common label.

These species-level facts cannot diagnose the condition of one particular tree, prove that work is needed, or determine whether it is hazardous.

What to look for

  • Alternate rounded leaves have finely serrated, distinctly wavy margins; dense clusters of five-petaled white flowers may appear in season.
  • Tiny hard pears appear in fall, and bark changes from smooth with lenticels to shallow scaly ridges as the tree matures.
  • The Nebraska source says Callery pear can reach 60 feet, although that size is rare.

What changes by season

Use whatever features are available now. Missing leaves, flowers, fruit, or pods often just means the timing is wrong—not that the tree cannot be a match.

When leaves are on

Compare alternate leaves or buds staggered along the twig, one leaf blade per stem, and oval leaves with toothed edges. Use more than one feature and do not force a match from leaf shape alone.

When leaves are off or hard to see

Compare bark that changes from smooth to shallow or scaly, a narrower upright tree, and a rounded tree. Bark and overall shape can help narrow it down, but neither confirms the species by itself.

When fruit or seeds are present

small round pear-like fruit can provide another useful clue. Not seeing them may simply reflect season, age, sex, or variety.

Typical mature size

The Nebraska source says Callery pear can reach 60 feet, although that size is rare.

Similar Omaha trees

These are the closest lookalikes among the 10 common local trees in this guide. Other species can still look similar.

Common hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

These trees can look similar in how the leaves or buds attach, whether the leaf is simple or compound, and leaf shape. Check bark and fruit or seeds next instead of relying on the name or one photograph.

View that tree profile

American elm (species only)

Ulmus americana

These trees can look similar in how the leaves or buds attach, whether the leaf is simple or compound, and leaf shape. Check bark, fruit or seeds, and overall tree shape next instead of relying on the name or one photograph.

View that tree profile

Important Omaha-area context

Nebraska identifies Callery pear as invasive and advises against planting it.

This does not prove that a particular tree is infested, diseased, structurally unsound, or in need of removal.

What to consider for an individual tree

The species can develop weak structure and split in ice or storms. Inspect the particular tree for an actual split, crack, broken limb, or recent change before drawing any safety conclusion.

Existing-tree decisions depend on the individual tree and site; the Nebraska source directs property owners to local weed-control authorities for appropriate removal methods.

Sources