Pr. Geo.'s Jettisons Bradford Pear

The Bradford Pear tree has now been officially spurned by Prince George's County. The County Council unanimously adopted a resolution yesterday ditching it as the official county tree.

The Bradford Pear, which was developed by government scientists at a U.S. Agricultural Department Plant Introduction Station in Glenn Dale and released to the public in 1963, was adopted as the official county tree in the 1970s.

For years, the tree was popular among cultivators and municipal tree planters for its shapely branches and bright white flowers. But over time, its branches have proven weak and it often splits in storms. It also has become invasive and pushes out native species.

Governments nationwide have stopped planting the tree and local gardeners pushed for it to lose its designation as the county's official tree. The council agreed to convene a work group to decide on a new county tree.

By Anne Bartlett |  July 2, 2008; 8:29 AM ET  | Category:  Rosalind Helderman
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