Callery Pear

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a newly identified noxious species in Pennsylvania native to China and Vietnam.

Annual Growth Rate: 3-5 ft.

Location (Throughout Park):

• Grasslands
• Grows in dense clusters in open areas of the park
• Codori-Trostle thicket
• Woods east of the Round Tops
• Common fence line weed, due to birds perching and droppings containing seeds

Impacts:

• Grows in dense thickets preventing biodiversity.
• Callery Pear thickets shade out native species.
• A dense structural root layer and soil composition changes and prevents native species growth.
• Its sale is banned and its management is a priority.
• Very common landscape plant which stinks when in bloom.

Management:

Park biologists are monitoring existing locations and are addressing new growth areas as they are detected. Cutting the Callery Pear causes aggressive sprouting, so early identification and herbicide application by park biologists is the most effective method for managing growth and spread of this invasive species.

What Can You Do?

As a devoted visitor to Gettysburg National Military Park, you can see, and smell the direct impact the Callery Pear is having on your park. During the warm weather months, we host a series of Volunteer Work Days. Sign up for one or all of these to lend a hand! You have the opportunity to aid our staff to combat this invading species and perhaps slow or halt their march across our fields, our hills, our stone walls, our fences, or even around our monuments.

• Reporting any sightings of Callery Pear.