This common tree has been called an "invasive nightmare." Indiana DNR strongly recommends against having this tree in your yard.

Invasive Species Awareness

Recently, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources hosted an Invasive Species Awareness week on Facebook.  During this week, they highlighted a different kind of invasive plant each day.   So what makes a plant invasive?

Here is what the Indiana DNR defines an "invasive species" as:

Invasive species are plants, animals, and diseases that are not native to the area in question and have or are likely to cause environmental, human health, or financial harm in Indiana. Many invasive species have entered Indiana or are a threat to arrive in our state. You can fight back by learning the signs, reporting sightings, and taking precautions.

READ MORE: These 44 plants are ILLEGAL to buy, sell, or plant in the state of Indiana.

Each day of Invasive Species Week, Indiana DNR highlighted a different plant species that causes issues for our native plants and ecosystem.  They wrapped up Invasive Species Week by highlighting a very common invasive tree that you just might have in your own backyard.

An Invasive Nightmare: The Callery (Bradford) Pear

The Bradford Pear tree is well known around our area; they bloom early in the spring, and the leaves stay on until late fall. These trees are so common to the Tri-State that you may think they are native.  However, they are not native and have been said to be a complete menace to native plants.

Part of the reason these trees are such a problem is because they adapt so well to the climate here.  There is a pretty good chance that you may even have a Bradford Pear tree in your yard.  For years, they were an extremely popular tree to use in landscaping because they bloom early in the spring, and the leaves stay on until late in the fall. Even though they are a popular choice because they are pretty trees, they do have a foul smell when blooming.

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When talking about the Bradford Pear, the Indiana DNR referred to it as an "invasive nightmare," and they recommend chopping it down if you have one in your yard.

AN INVASIVE NIGHTMARE...CALLERY PEAR (PYRUS CALLERYANA): We wrap up Invasive Species Awareness Week with what many consider the most troublesome offender of all, Callery pear. This rapidly growing tree has been a staple in the landscaping industry for decades due to its early spring blooms, bright fall color and rounded crown.

Once established, Callery pear forms dense thickets that push out native species that can’t compete for water, soil and space. Initially, Callery pear was believed to be sterile, however, numerous cultivars have been shown to cross pollinate and produce viable fruit. Its success as an invader results in its ability to produce an abundance of fruit in the fall that are easily dispersed by wildlife.

Anyone with Callery pear on his/her property is encouraged to remove it. Do not plant any cultivars including the well-known ‘Bradford’. Many wonderful native alternatives such as serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) or basswood (Tilia spp.) are available for landscaping purposes.

To learn about invasive species being regulated by Indiana DNR, to report an invasive species, or to ask for more information check out on.in.gov/invasive-species.