Pyrus calleryana, or Callery Pear trees, are one of the most recognizable plants in the state of Ohio. They are a common tree seen in many urban, suburban and rural settings. Callery Pears were introduced to the United States in the early 1900s from Asia. They were first planted in suburban America in the 1950s, and were widely used in landscaping due to their pleasant aesthetic. Callery Pears have snowy white flowers that bloom in the spring, they retain their foliage into the fall, and have shapely, “traditional” crowns.

Callery Pears As Invasive Species

In the last few years, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina have led the charge in prohibiting the sale of Callery Pear. In 2023, the Ohio Department of Agriculture officially banned the sale and propagation of the tree in the state. Why were they banned? The answer lies in their impact on the surrounding natural environment: they are a prime example of how detrimental an invasive species can be to our native landscapes. Callery Pears grow extremely quickly and their seeds are easily dispersed by birds, spreading the species from urban and suburban areas into natural spaces. The trees easily outcompete our native plants for resources, making it difficult for local species to establish themselves and thrive. They are also a low-value nutritional resource for wildlife, which need access to quality food provided by native species.

Pearmageddon

The Butler County community can help MetroParks stop the spread of Callery Pears and reduce the numbers of growing trees during Pearmageddon! (Kill them all, kill them all!). YOU can help protect our native habitats, and change the footprint of invasive species in southwest Ohio.

Residents are encouraged to cut down Callery Pears, or two other invasive plants, Burning Bush or Japanese Barberry, on their property now through April 2nd. Submit a picture of yourself with the cut plant to receive a replacement native species for FREE while supplies last. MetroParks has a wide selection of replacement plants, which are listed below.

Pearmageddon Guidelines & Submission Info

Pearmageddon is open to Butler County residents only. Participants must be able to pick up their FREE native replacement plant on Saturday, April 4th from 9-11 a.m. at Rentschler Forest MetroPark. Only one plant is available per household.

Click here to submit your picture, or scan the QR code below.

Replacement Species Available

Trees:

-Allegheny Serviceberry (three-gallon)

-Eastern Redbud (three-gallon)

-Flowering Dogwood (three-gallon)


Shrubs:

-Arrowwood Viburnum

-Common Ninebark

-Red Chokeberry

-Red Osier Dogwood

-Spicebush

Identifying Pearmageddon! Species and Preventing their Return

Need help identifying Callery Pear, Japanese Barberry or Burning Bush? Check out some of the excellent resources below. All three of these invasives should be treated with an herbicide after they’re cut to prevent them from returning. Look for herbicides with the label “kills stumps” at your local big box store.

Callery Pear

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Services at OSU

Japanese Barberry

USDA

Burning Bush

Penn State Extension