Pyrus calleryana 'Capital' (Captial Pear)


Michael's Opinion

This small, compact and narrow tree is good for all landscaping uses and is fairly tolerant of a wide variety of site conditions. Beautiful in flower, and with stunning autumn colour its only deficiency is its weak branch structure.

Botanical Information

FamilyRosaceae
GenusPyrus
Speciescalleryana
Cultivar'Capital'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
ReferencesConnon Nurseries, Waterdown, Ontario. Eising Nurseries, Port Dover, Ontario.
OriginThis species is native to China. It was bred crossing other pear trees for improved flowers. It was brought to North America to combat Fire blight and has become more and more popular as an ornamental tree.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5-9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6-9
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-28
Temperature (°F)-20
Height11 m
Spread3 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA compact columnar deciduous ornamental tree with great spring blossom and autumn foliage. Small to medium in size and increasingly popular in landscapes. Produces a small, hard and brown fruit, inedible to humans but liked by birds.
ID CharacteristicThe Capitol Callery Pear is narrow compact tree with a full, oval-shaped crown. Known for it’s brilliant scarlet autumn foliage and beautiful white flowers in the spring.
ShapeA small to medium sized tree. Narrow, domed columnar form, with branches ascending.
LandscapeOften used in streetscapes and small gardens. Also common in industrial and office parks. Often found in car-parks, medians, private and public domains. This ornamental tree is favoured for its beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. Is useful for small narrow spaces.
PropagationGrafted.
CultivationThis is a popular tree throughout North America. Typically used as an ornamental tree in suburban communities, office parks, and industry parks. This tree is tolerant to cool weather and a wide variety of soil types from heavy and moist soils to dry and acidic soils.
PestsResistant to most diseases and pest problems. This tree is also fire blight resistant.
Notable SpecimensA.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy, Ontario.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGreyish-brown in colour, lightly furrowed thin and easy to damage. Early pruning makes trunk structure strong. As the tree ages thorns can be found on the bark. The bark of this tree is coarse and irregular.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThese buds are found in heavy clusters throughout the tree. They start out deep pink in colour and turn white as they develop.
Leaf DescriptionBroadly ovate leaves, excellent dark green glossy summer foliage. Brilliant burgundy to scarlet autumn foliage. The leaves are simple and approximately 4-7 cm long.
Flower DescriptionCapital Pear trees are heavily flowered in the early spring. Flowers are 2-3 cm in diameter, and generally have 5 petals. Flowers group together in a cone-like shape, and produce an unpleasant smell.
Fruit DescriptionThis non-appealing fruit is less than 1 cm in diameter, brown in colour and almost woody in texture. It’s too hard to be edible but is favoured by birds. The late autumn frost softens the fruit.
Colour DescriptionCapital pear trees have greyish-brown bark, dark green to scarlet foliage and beautiful white-grey flowers.
Texture DescriptionMedium texture.

Photographs