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| Blooming callery pear Photo: Morton Arboretum |
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 Plan Before You Plant:
Native Alternatives to Invasive Species
Callery Pear
Many invasive species that are still sold in nurseries and used by landscapers have native lookalikes. These alternatives grow similarly but stay contained - habi
tat remains
intact and the
plants play host to
a wealth of pollinators.
This month, our featured invasive ornamental is the
callery pear
- a commonly used tree that is starting to appear in natural areas at an alarming rate. Reaching a height of 60 ft., the callery pear is a tree to avoid when making planting decisions. Luckily, there are several wonderful native options including chokecherry and Allegheny serviceberry.
For more native plants, please
visit our website
.
*Plan Before you Plant brochures are available from ISN
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Chokecherry
(
Prunus virginiana)
Photo: Matt Lavin
- Rose family - native, perennial, large shrub or tree, usually less than 30 feet tall. The crown is typically 10-20 feet wide when fully mature.
- Reproduces via seed or root rhizomes.
- Dark green, glossy leaves
- Aromatic, white flowers bloom from April to July with fruits a couple of months later.
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Allegheny serviceberry
(
Amelanchier laevis
)
Photo: Hamilton County Conservation District
- Rose family - small, native understory tree reaching a height of 15-25 feet and a similar width.
- Grows moderately quickly and prefers partial shade.
- Fragrant, white flowers bloom in May and are loosely clustered.
- Leaves are simple and fall colors can be variable between yellow, orange or red.
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