Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 0A28edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOreviewed 13 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Rosaceae

Callery Pear

Pyrus calleryanafam. Rosaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibletall treesedibleedible fruitnative asiaornamentaltree
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Pyrus calleryana (Callery Pear) — botanical photograph
Pl. 0A28 — Pyrus calleryana
Pyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryanaPyrus calleryana
I

Overview

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a deciduous tree native to China's central and southern regions, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist soil that can be light, medium, or heavy. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, reaching heights of up to 15 meters. The tree is adaptable to a pH range of 5 to 7.5 and produces fruit suitable for consumption, making it useful as rootstock for other pear varieties and for use in landscaping. Callery Pear features attractive white flowers in spring, followed by small, edible fruits that can be eaten raw or used in jams and preserves. Its colorful autumn foliage adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes. The tree is often used as an espalier due to its adaptability and manageable size when trained against a wall or trellis. While the fruit is edible, it should not be consumed in large quantities due to its relatively low sugar content compared to other pears. Callery Pear's ornamental qualities make it a popular choice for landscaping, particularly in urban settings where space may be limited. Its fast growth rate and moderate drought tolerance contribute to its popularity among gardeners and landscapers.

Quick answers

What is Callery Pear?

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a deciduous tree native to China's central and southern regions, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist soil that can be light, medium, or heavy.

Compare with:Almond-leaved pear→Amelanchier weigandii→Asian Pear→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Callery Pear thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best with a soil pH between 5 and 7.5 and is hardy in zones 5-9. For propagation, use seeds or grafting. This tree can reach heights of 15 meters and produces edible fruit. Ensure it has adequate moisture to support its growth and development.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Callery Pear for the first time

7steps

Start with a simple Callery Pear tree to learn about growing trees from a beginner’s perspective.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Callery Pear sapling, a trowel, and some compost.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure your soil drains well. Amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a pot at least 15 liters (4 gallons) in size.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant the sapling carefully, keeping the root ball intact. Plant it at the same depth as it was in its container.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Callery Pear's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often picked when ripe and consumed fresh, though it can also be cooked into jams or preserves. The fruit can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:RootstockLumberEspalier
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

7 native · 27 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 7 native· 27 introduced
Asia7 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
introduced (2)GeorgiaIraq
Broader regions
introduced:Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Himalaya, West Virginia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Pyrus calleryana (Callery Pear) — botanical photograph
Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0a28705c-70df-401b-8240-de1607f309b1
Decision aid
Choosing between Callery Pear and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes