We lost this in a windstorm last fall. I am so sad! Not only was this my only front yard tree, but it kept it's leaves FOREVER! (Notice the other trees in the background with no leaves whatsoever). I want to plant the exact same kind, but don't know a thing about trees. I know the picture isn't the best, but any help would be appreciated!
Thanks so much!
Jen
Looks like Pyrus calleryana. Bradford Pear. Infamously fragile.
If you have to have a flowering pear, choose one of the improved cultivars such as 'Cleveland Select'. It's readily available and has a superior branching structure that is much more resistant to strong winds. Beware of the old, original cultivar 'Bradford', which is most likely what you have (had), as it's inevitable that a new one will end up with the same fate. Reputable garden centers and nurseries will not stock and sell 'Bradford', but they still show up a big box stores. Beware! (Note: BRADFORD has become a generic term for all flowering pears, which is too bad, because it adds to the confusion regarding other superior cultivars. It's like when people refer to nose tissue as "Kleenex" which is actually only one brand among many.)
Thank you for your responses. I googled the name and although it looks like several of the pictures, it never produced any flower like the description said???
Jen
That IS most unusual. Flowering pears are known for their...well... flowering! Very strange, as your photo, the description (leaves hold on very late) and the fate of the tree all identify it as a flowering pear!
Sure looks like a Bradford to me also.
As HG notes, they are known for their reliable early spring flowering.
Are it's flowers different from the pear, or have you seen no flowers at all?
If you could describe any flowers you've seen, it would help.
Bradford flowers turn a dirty brown in frost, so maybe in your area the flowers get zapped regularly and they're not as prominent?
