AlterNATIVE: Native Choices Instead of Ornamental Pears

Chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia)

After a wet and warm winter, the wild ornamental pears seem to be blooming even earlier than usual. I think, based on last year’s pictures, the timing is about the same except for one oddball or two. We just finished National Invasive Species Awareness Week so it’s a good time to talk about this emerging invasive plant. I call it ‘emerging’ because it literally has been happening over the last 15-20 years while we watched.

Despite the increasing spread of ornamental pear (Pyrus calleryana) on roadsides, it continues to be sold to unsuspecting homeowners in less discriminating stores like the big box stores (less so in real nurseries). I post about it every year, from helping people to realize what it is on the side of the road (one of my most popular posts), to general ranting, to downright gloating about my neighbor’s seedling abundance (he was able to get rid of them). This year, I want to talk about what people should buy instead and maybe—if demand goes down—the stores will finally stop selling them.

Everyone loves early blooming trees because flowers are beautiful and we’re tired of winter by February (if not sooner). We do have native early bloomers—they are timed to flower when native insects are emerging. Non-native plants which bloom before our native bees have emerged are not providing benefit to any pollinators except for the equally non-native honey bees. 

Here are some the native trees and large shrubs that bloom early in North Georgia and might be considered as alternatives (or alter-natives) for ornamental pears with the added bonus that they contribute to the local ecosystem.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier)

Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.) is a medium-sized, full sun tree that blooms in March, has yummy fruits for humans and birds, and excellent fall color. I have written about it before, so please visit that blog here. For reasons you’ll see below, this is probably the best choice for urban or smaller yards.

Plums (shrubby members of the Prunus genus) are excellent early bloomers. In my area, Chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) is the most common but there are species of plums found around the state so select one that is regionally appropriate for you. They tend to sucker a bit, so site them accordingly, giving them the room they need. I like to dig up extras for friends and plant sale donations.

An early native bee on flowering plum (Prunus angustifolia)

Viburnum prunifolium (often known as blackhaw) is one of the taller, more upright native viburnums. This species and its cousin the rusty blackhaw (V. rufidulum) can reach over 20 feet, making them nice choices for small yards. They also have very good fall color. Like the other two choices above, they produce fruit for birds and small mammals, however, they benefit from cross-pollination so it’s best to have two. Those of you in small yards can give one to your neighbor!

Viburnum prunifolium in spring

Viburnum prunifolium in fall

Two other early blooming trees include red maple (Acer rubrum) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum). They are not quite as showy but you can be sure that they benefit insects and critters much more than any stinky pear!