The arrival of spring is often heralded by the sight of a beautiful, blossoming tree that captures your attention. The Bradford pear tree (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is one such tree, but it’s best avoided in your yard. This tree is prone to splitting during adverse weather conditions and can hybridize with related species, leading to the production of fertile fruits. Additionally, it is recognized as an invasive species in many U.S. states. However, if you appreciate the aesthetic of this tree, there are numerous native alternatives you can cultivate instead, such as the serviceberry, American redbud, and flowering dogwood.
The serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), native to the eastern U.S., thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. It shares a similar growth shape with the Bradford pear tree, featuring a charming rounded canopy and multiple stems. This delightful tree can grow to about 25 feet in height. In spring, it dazzles with an abundance of fragrant white flowers, making it a standout in any landscape. Following the blooms, you’ll enjoy green leaves and later, from late summer to early fall, a display of purple berries. This species attracts various pollinators when in bloom and invites more birds to your garden with its captivating fruit.
More Native Alternative Trees to Consider
The American redbud (Cercis canadensis) is another spring-blooming tree that outshines the Bradford pear and serves as an excellent native alternative. Also originating from the eastern U.S., it is suitable for growth in zones 4 through 9. This stunning tree brings a vibrant pop of color to smaller spaces with its multi-stemmed structure and rounded canopy, reaching a maximum height of 30 feet. Its pink, purple, or red flowers are remarkable, covering the tree in early spring. These blooms, which appear in clusters, are edible and rich in nectar, attracting numerous bees and butterflies. After flowering, the American redbud produces seeds similar to bean or pea pods, providing a valuable food source for songbirds. A cultivar known as ‘White Pom Poms’ features double white flowers.
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) offers a range of floral colors, making it another striking option instead of the Bradford pear. It can be cultivated in zones 5 through 9, showcasing lovely white, green, pink, or yellow flowers in spring. It’s among the many trees with pink flowers that you should consider for your yard. Growing to approximately 25 feet, it yields edible fruits in the fall, favored by wildlife such as songbirds, quail, wild turkeys, chipmunks, squirrels, and white-tailed deer. Naturally, its blooms are a magnet for numerous pollinators.
