Bradford pear
noun
Brad·ford pear
ˈbrad-fərd- 
variants
or less commonly Bradford Callery pear
or Bradford callery pear
: a widely planted ornamental deciduous tree that is a thornless and fruitless cultivar of the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana)
The major problem with Bradford pears is that its upright habit in youth produces a weak branch structure. Branches may split off as the tree ages.—
The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana)
The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana)Examples of Bradford pear in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From the original Callery pear, horticulturists bred a consumer-friendly variety: the Bradford pear.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 8 Oct. 2025
To help slow the spread of the species, some cities will pay you to remove a Bradford pear or provide you with a native tree to plant instead.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2025
Take a Walking History Tour of Downtown Alachua Bradford pear trees and historic lampposts line the charming streets of Main Street Alachua.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
The Callery pear tree − also known as the Bradford pear tree − is a common non-native tree that has grown in popularity due to its pretty foliage.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Banning Bradford pear trees The species is not yet prohibited by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Thou shouldest resist such urges less one fall under the spell of the darker forces of the garden, things like planting Bradford pears or mulching with white marble chips.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Particularly devious were the honeysuckle leaf, privet and the Bradford pear.
—Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 16 Apr. 2025
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Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 8 Oct. 2025
To help slow the spread of the species, some cities will pay you to remove a Bradford pear or provide you with a native tree to plant instead.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2025
Take a Walking History Tour of Downtown Alachua Bradford pear trees and historic lampposts line the charming streets of Main Street Alachua.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
The Callery pear tree − also known as the Bradford pear tree − is a common non-native tree that has grown in popularity due to its pretty foliage.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Banning Bradford pear trees The species is not yet prohibited by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Thou shouldest resist such urges less one fall under the spell of the darker forces of the garden, things like planting Bradford pears or mulching with white marble chips.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Particularly devious were the honeysuckle leaf, privet and the Bradford pear.
—Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bradford pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bradford%20pear. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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