Last year, I was surprised by the number of ornamental pear trees growing in and around Cleveland. I wondered if there was a reason for this frequent selection. I typed “Cleveland Pear Tree” into my search engine, and found precisely what I was looking for, there is actually a variety of ornamental pear called the Cleveland Pear Tree! Known for its strong branches that are able to withstand an abundance of ice and snow, the variety was cultivated here in Cleveland. They are also famous for their beautiful conical shape. You’ve probably seen them around, they’re the white trees that are everywhere and in wondrous bloom this time of year.

Here’s a rather young Cleveland Pear tree that the city of Shaker Heights planted on the tree lawn near my house. The Cleveland Pear is also called a Chanticleer Ornamental Pear, or Cleveland Select Pear.