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Bradford pear trees produce beautiful, five-petaled white flowers similar to those found on Dogwood trees. But although Dogwood trees and Bradford pear trees share many common traits, they are, in fact, different species of plant.
– Leaves: slightly fuzzy surface, hairy undersides. – Flower: white blossoms, occasionally pink petals. – Fruit: bright red. – Wood: sturdy, close-grained. – Scent: strong floral, similar to honeysuckle.
– Leaves: smooth & shiny on both sides. – Flower: white blossoms. – Fruit: light pink. – Wood: weak, cracks & splits easily. – Scent: Rotten fish, semen, “chlorine musk.”
Scientists suspect that the noxious smells produced by Bradford pears are caused by toxins such as volatile organic compounds (which are molecularly similar to ammonia), tannins, and phenols.