Jack Callery Pear

How often are you asked, “I need a small tree, one that stays small”? Choices are limited because even most “small trees” will reach 30 ft. or more. The “Jack” Pear, Pyrus calleryana ‘Jaczam’, is one of the exceptions. This small tidy tree is in the unusually small category. Literature says it may get to 20 ft. tall and 10 ft. wide in 30 years. Our specimen planted 10 years ago measures about 13 ft. tall by 7 ft. wide under excellent growing conditions.

The crown is dense, with closely spaced branches that form a tight upright but roundish form. Twig growth is even, very upright, and much denser than other calleryanas. The spring flower set is spectacular with white flowers covering the tree completely creating a pure white globe. As flowers fall, small dark green roundish leaves form an even denser canopy. The form and appearance nearly remind me of a hot air balloon with the lower limbs reaching straight out to hold the canopy in place. Our fall color has been yellow and not as rich as the Chanticleer but it apparently does color up nicely in colder climates.

This pear appears to transplant easily like all flowering pears. Ours is fruitless, but you may get some additional small fruit if planted near others, so says the literature.

By the way, there is a “Jill” Pear, Pyrus calleryana ‘Jilzam’, also. The form on the “Jill” is about the same height but a little broader with age. The branching habit is more scattered and less uniform. And no I am not kidding.

Let me know if you have any experience with these or other trees that you would like to pass on.