‘Aristocrat’ Pear1

Abstract

Abstract The wild Chinese pear, Pyrus calleryana Decaisne was introduced into the U.S. as a possible source of fire blight resistance for pear improvement but was not used as an ornamental plant because of its low branching habit and thorniness. In 1918 Frank Meyer collected seed of P. calleryana in China which were subsequently planted at the USD A Plant Introduction Station at Glenn Dale, Maryland. A thornless individual was discovered among the resulting seedlings which was named ‘Bradford’ in honor of F. C. Bradford, a former director of the Station. ‘Bradford’ is one of the few ornamental trees without serious disease and insect problems. It is valued for its profuse white flowers, glossy, dense summer foliage and burgundy red fall color – a combination of characteristics found in very few trees. It was introduced to nurserymen in 1960 as “the tree for all seasons,” a medium sized shade tree for the southern and eastern United States including zone 5 (1). It has since been found to be adaptable to a larger area and is increasing in popularity with its full potential still being developed.