Flowering Pear 'Aristocrat': The Broad-Crowned Callery Pear

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• Family:	Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee) (Info)
  Genus:	Pyrus (PY-russ) (Info)
  Species:	calleryana (kal-lee-ree-AH-nuh) (Info)
  Cultivar:	Aristocrat

Overview

Flowering Pear 'Aristocrat' (Pyrus calleryana 'Aristocrat') is a **broadly pyramidal to oval cultivar of Callery Pear**, selected for its **wider branch angles, more open habit, and earlier, heavier bloom** compared to 'Bradford'. It shares the species' profuse white flowers, glossy foliage, and red fall color—but also its **invasive potential**.

Ornamental Features

Spring: **Abundant white flowers (1 inch)** in corymbs, slightly earlier than 'Bradford', covering the tree in a white cloud. Summer: **Glossy, dark green, leathery, ovate leaves** with wavy margins. Fall: **Deep red to reddish-purple fall color**, often later and more intense than 'Bradford'. Winter: Clean, attractive gray-brown bark; broadly pyramidal to rounded form.

Structure & Improvement

It grows **30–40 feet tall and 25–35 feet wide**—wider than 'Cleveland Select'. **Branch angles are wider (45–60°)**, reducing the tight crotches and storm breakage that plagued 'Bradford'. It is essentially thornless.

Invasive Warning & Culture

**SAME INVASIVE CONCERN AS ALL CALLERY PEARS:** Cross-pollination with other cultivars produces fertile seeds spread by birds, leading to aggressive colonization of natural areas. **Many states and municipalities restrict or ban sale/planting. Check local laws.**

If permitted: Zones 5–8, full sun, adaptable soils, drought-tolerant, pollution-tolerant. A structurally better Callery pear, but the ecological risk remains.