Callery pear trees, best known for the Bradford variety, debuted in the United States in 1908 at the Arnold Arboretum. Now the species is facing a possible ban in Massachusetts.

Pennsylvania is just one of more than a dozen states that have recently banned — or want to ban — the ornamental tree.

Licking County Pollinator Pathway is offering free native Ohio saplings as a “reward” to county residents who kill invasive Bradford Pear trees.

The Callery pear tree (or Bradford pear tree) is popular in many suburban neighborhoods, due to its gorgeous white blossoms. However, Massachusetts officials say it's also an invasive species that crowds out other plants.

Callery pear trees, including the much-loathed Bradford pear variety, aren’t just offensive to the nose — they’re detrimental to the state’s

You may recognize the white blossoms of the Callery pear that have been blooming for the last few weeks, or you may also have recognized the smell. DelRosso says the tree is often used by cities and towns because it is pretty and tends to grow low enough to avoid issues with power lines.