Jack Pear
Pyrus calleryana
Jack Pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 12–15 ft tall and 10–12 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Callery pear is invasive in many regions and structurally weak, suckers, splits, and reseeds prolifically. Do not plant.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Pyrus calleryana
- Variety / cultivar
- Jack'™
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 12–15 ft tall and 10–12 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~12 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–9
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Fall color
- Red, purple, orange
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe real knock is not cold; Callery pear splits apart in storms as it ages and reseeds into wild land, so most agencies now steer away from it.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight (bacterial)
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Jack Pear good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Jack Pear is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Jack Pear get?
- It matures to about 12–15 ft tall and 10–12 ft wide.
- How much room does Jack Pear need?
- Give Jack Pear about 12 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Jack Pear grow into?
- Jack Pear typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Jack Pear hardy on the Front Range?
- Jack Pear is hardy in USDA 5–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The real knock is not cold; Callery pear splits apart in storms as it ages and reseeds into wild land, so most agencies now steer away from it.
- How much water does Jack Pear need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Jack Pear grow?
- Jack Pear is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Jack Pear live?
- Jack Pear is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Jack Pear turn in fall?
- Jack Pear turns red, purple, and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Jack Pear native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Jack Pear deer-resistant?
- No. Jack Pear is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Jack Pear prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Jack Pear can be affected by fireblight (bacterial). These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
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See also
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