Native Alternatives To Grow Instead Of Bradford Pear Tree

Nothing alerts you more to the onset of spring than a pretty blossoming tree that's just demanding your attention. Such is the case with the Bradford pear tree (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'). But beware – this tree is highly problematic and shouldn't be grown in your yard, due to its tendency to split during periods of inclement weather, and its ability to hybridize with other related species and produce fertile fruits. It's also listed as an invasive species in many U.S. states. But don't despair if you love the look of this tree, because there are many native alternatives you can grow instead. These include the serviceberry, the American redbud, and the flowering dogwood.

The serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) is native to the eastern U.S. and will grow well in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. It has a similar growth shape as the Bradford pear tree with a lovely rounded canopy and multiple stems. This attractive tree can reach a height of around 25 feet. When spring comes around, you'll be delighted with its profusion of fragrant white flowers which truly make this species stand out in the landscape. The blooms are followed by green leaves and then the tree puts on another magnificent display, with the purple berries that appear from late summer to early fall. What's even better is that it will attract a range of pollinators when in bloom, and you can bring more birds to your yard with this stunning fruit-bearing tree.

Another spring blossoming tree that's superior to the Bradford pear, and a great native alternative, is the American redbud (Cercis canadensis). This tree is also native to the eastern U.S. and can be grown in zones 4 through 9. You'll find that this gorgeous tree is the perfect pop of color for small spaces. It's multi-stemmed and has a rounded canopy with a maximum height of 30 feet. The pink, purple, or red flowers are quite impressive when they cover the tree in early spring. These blooms appear in clusters and are actually edible. Plus, the flowers are filled with nectar which is a drawcard for many species of bees and butterflies. After blooming, the American redbud produces seeds resembling bean or pea pods that provide a good food source for songbirds. There's also a cultivar known as 'White Pom Poms' which has double white flowers.

With a range of floral colors, the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is another striking tree to plant instead of the Bradford pear. You can grow it in zones 5 through 9 and enjoy its pretty white, green, pink, or yellow flowers in spring. It's one of many trees with pink flowers you should have in your yard. Reaching a height of around 25 feet, it produces edible fruits in the fall. These are loved by numerous wildlife species including songbirds, quail, wild turkey, chipmunks, squirrels, and white-tailed deer, among others. Of course, the blooms attract lots of pollinators too.