Peared Down

For several decades now, Prince George's County has had the Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) as its County tree. This has been a source of some embarrassment for the botanically inclined, as this cultivated pear tree is both extremely weak-wooded and a non-native invasive.

Now, County residents are taking steps to have the tree de-listed and replaced with serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), a beautiful native with high wildlife value. Good luck to them.

Do you know what the Anne Arundel County tree is? You can find out here.