WLWT: Why Bradford pear is now banned in Ohio
UC biologist Theresa Culley explains how Callery pear trees are growing wild across Midwest
WLWT-Channel 5 turned to University of Cincinnati biology professor Theresa Culley to explain how Ohio banned the sale of an invasive tree this month to protect native forests.
Ohio is the first state to ban the sale of Callery pear trees. Photo/Troy Jarrell/Unsplash
Ohio was the first state in the country in 2023 to ban the sale of Callery pear trees, an ornamental that sprouts white flowers in the spring. The trees, which include Bradford pears, for years were a popular choice for landscapers and nurseries.
The pear trees started growing wild in forests and open spaces across the Midwest. But when a sterile variety was crossed with other varieties to make them more hardy, they began taking over forests from Michigan to Georgia.
The trees in 2018 were placed on Ohio's invasive species list, starting the clock for landscapers, growers and nurseries to replace their inventories. South Carolina and Pennsylvania have also passed bans that will take effect soon.
Featured image at top: UC biology professor Theresa Culley stands in a grove of wild-growing Callery pear trees in Cincinnati's Harris Benedict Nature Preserve. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC
More UC Biology in the News
UC biology professor Theresa Culley serves on the Ohio Invasive Plants Council. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC
- The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio's ban on Callery pear trees now in effect
- WDTN-2News: Ohio officially prohibits Callery pear tree
- Landscape Business: Ohio outlaws ubiquitous pear trees
Related Stories
Senior peer career coaches graduate with resumes ready
April 17, 2021
Profiles three senior peer career coaches in the University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Promise Career Studio
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 12, 2021
Undergraduate student researchers in sciences and humanities recognized in 2021
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 29, 2020
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) honors students in experience-based learning programs.
President picks exceptional talent
April 28, 2021
The University of Cincinnati 2021 Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence Awards honor six undergraduate scholars for scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the university. Awardees are spotlighted for exceptional academics, creativity, community service and innovation.
Listen: Cincy Playhouse shares CCM audio plays
May 28, 2021
Each audio play is its own story, and you can listen to these pieces for free in any order you choose. They represent a year-long collaboration that reached into many corners of Cincinnati. Students from all over UC (CCM Acting, Sound Design, Stage Management, Commercial Music Production, Digital Media, and the College of Arts & Sciences’ Fiction PhD program) and local professional writers (YA author Liz Coley and musician, comedian and raconteur Paul Strickland) came together to make something truly special. Paul Strickland's play will be available soon. The Playhouse is assisting CCM by hosting and helping to promote these free audio plays.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
UC LGBTQ Center founder takes on new diversity role
June 1, 2021
When Leisan Smith, ’99, ME ’03, began work this year as the inaugural chief equity officer at the prestigious Columbus School for Girls, the school’s staff and faculty were thrilled. The job description, they said, “was written for you.”
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.