China, Vietnam
Callery pear, the parent rootstock of the "Bradford", "Aristrocrat", and other cultivars, is an ornamental, deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 ft. (12.2 m) in height. The leaves are alternate, simple, 2 to 3 in. (5.1-7.6 cm) long, petiolate and shiny with wavy, slightly-toothed margins. Branching on Callery pears is close to 90 degrees, with shorter, stouter limbs and sort (1") spines, as opposed to the "Bradford" pear, with an overall shape of the tree described as a tear-drop that often spreads out with age; longer branches curving up with narrow angles at branching. Flowering occurs early in the spring (April to May) as the leaves emerge. The flowers are 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide, showy, malodorous and white. Fruits are round, 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) in diameter and green to brown in color.
Commonly used as a street tree.