Some of the most reliable autumn foliar color is that of flowering pear, Pyrus calleryana. Some may know it as Callery pear. It develops foliar color as soon as the weather cools. Such color ranges from brilliant yellow to deep burgundy red, but is mostly fiery orange. This colorful foliage lasts for two or three weeks, but can be dislodged by rain and wind.

After winter, many trees bloom with billowy white flowers. Bloom is more abundant after exceptionally cool winters. Vigorous young trees may not bloom as much as established trees. Unfortunately, some may find the floral fragrance of some cultivars objectionable. Some mature trees produce tiny but potentially somewhat messy fruits during summer.

Flowering pear can grow about twenty feet tall or a bit taller. Its branch structure can be quite dense and compact. Consequently, crowded limbs can break away from otherwise symmetrical mature trees. Leaves are somewhat rounded and about two or three inches long. They develop as spring bloom finishes. Fireblight sometimes becomes a problem.