The tree with white flowers that stink is a fascinating subject, and I'm excited to dive into what makes it so distinctive. This tree is known for its strong, unpleasant odor that's often compared to rotten eggs or garlic.
The smell is caused by a chemical compound called trimethylamine, which is produced by the tree's flowers. This compound is also found in fish and other marine animals, but it's not typically associated with trees.
The tree's flowers are a key part of its unique aroma, and they're often used in perfumes and fragrances for their distinctive scent. However, the smell is not limited to the flowers themselves, but rather is a byproduct of the tree's natural processes.
What's That Smell?
The Callery pear tree is infamous for its strong, unpleasant smell, which is often compared to rotten fish. This smell is not just a human perception, but rather a natural part of the tree's biology, designed to attract pollinators.
The Denver Botanic Gardens explains that the tree's flowers produce volatile compounds, or oils, that evaporate in the air and produce the smell that attracts pollinators like wild bees and flies.
The smell of the Callery pear tree is not unique - hawthorns have a similar smell that attracts the same pollinators. This means that the tree's smell is not necessarily a problem, but rather a natural part of its ecosystem.
However, for many people, the smell of the Callery pear tree is overwhelming and unpleasant. As one resident described it, "This whole place smells like dead fish." The tree's smell can even be strong enough to enter homes, as one resident noted, "or else it would be in the house."
What Tree Is It?
The tree with white flowers that stink is a Callery pear, also known as a Bradford pear. It's native to parts of East Asia, specifically China and Vietnam.
This tree was introduced to American cities in the 1950s and became a popular choice for street trees due to its disease-resistant qualities and ability to grow in diverse climates and soil types. It's a beautiful tree with white flowers that bloom in the spring.
However, its popularity has come with a cost. The Callery pear has become an invasive species in many parts of the US, crowding out native species. It's not just a pretty face - this tree has a putrid smell that's often compared to rotting fish.
The smell is caused by volatile amines like dimethylamine and trimethylamine, which are also found in fish and other seafoods. These chemicals are produced by the flowers and attract pollinators, but they can be overwhelming for humans.
In fact, the smell is so strong that it can be detected from a distance, and it's often described as revolting. But it's not just the smell that's the problem - the Callery pear's invasive nature is causing problems for local ecosystems.
Despite its negative qualities, the Callery pear is still widely planted in many areas. However, some cities are taking steps to prevent its spread and promote more native species.
A different take: Native Ornamental Trees
The Tree's Presence
The Callery pear tree is native to China and Vietnam.
It was introduced to American cities in the 1950s as a street tree choice due to its disease-resistant quality and ability to grow in diverse climates and soil types.
The tree's white flowers are beautiful, but they come with a stinky price.
The tree's odor is strong enough to be detected indoors, even when the windows are closed.
The tree's presence can be overwhelming, with Sheila Titus describing the smell as "everywhere you see one of these trees with the white on them."
The smell is not just a nuisance, it's also a sign of the tree's invasive nature.
The Callery pear tree is now prohibited in Pittsburgh due to its invasive tendencies and overpowering odor.
For another approach, see: Invasive Weeds with White Flowers
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