BALTIMORE — Baltimore unveiled a new official city tree Thursday when Mayor Brandon Scott presented the tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) as the municipality’s second arboreal emblem during TreeBaltimore’s Summer Gathering at Cylburn Arboretum.
The tuliptree replaces the Chanticleer pear, a variety of the Callery pear that was selected by Mayor William Donald Schaefer in 1974. City officials and urban-forest advocates cited the tuliptree’s status as a Maryland native, its notable height, seasonal yellow flowers and greater climate resilience as factors in the decision.
Why the change
Officials emphasized ecological and practical reasons for the switch. The Callery pear — including widely planted Bradford and Chanticleer varieties — has become problematic in parts of the region. The University of Maryland Extension notes the Callery pear is considered an invasive species under Maryland law.
“If you don’t know the Callery pear by the sight of its white flowers which bloom in early spring, you might be familiar with its smell,”
That description, provided by the North Carolina State University Extension and cited by city materials, said the tree’s odor has been “likened to rotting fish and other unsavory odors.” The combination of invasive spread and nuisance characteristics prompted city leaders and urban forestry advocates to rethink the municipal symbol.
What the tuliptree offers Baltimore
TreeBaltimore, the city’s urban forestry program, highlighted attributes that make the tuliptree suitable for Baltimore’s urban canopy:
- Native species: Liriodendron tulipifera is indigenous to the Mid-Atlantic region, supporting local ecosystems.
- Size and presence: The species is known for its tall stature, providing shade and visual prominence in parks and streetscapes.
- Resilience: Officials cited the tree’s tolerance for regional climate conditions and its relative resistance to the invasive behaviors that afflict Callery pear varieties.
- Seasonal interest: The tuliptree bears distinctive yellow-green, tulip-shaped flowers in season.
The selection was presented at Cylburn Arboretum during a public event that included community-focused activities. The mayor’s presentation coincided with lighthearted programming — including an Orioles-style hot dog race — reflecting the celebratory tone of the gathering.
Local and historical context
The Callery pear’s designation as Baltimore’s first official city tree dates back to 1974, when Mayor Schaefer named the species as a municipal emblem. Over subsequent decades, however, the tree’s popularity as a street and landscape tree contributed to its wide distribution beyond managed plantings. The state-level classification of Callery pear as prohibited under Maryland law recognizes that spread and the ecological impacts that can follow.
City forestry officials did not announce immediate regulatory changes to street-tree planting rules at the event, but the choice of a native species as a civic symbol signals a continued emphasis on planting and promoting trees that support urban biodiversity and long-term canopy health.
| Attribute | Callery pear (formerly) | Tuliptree (now) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Various Callery pear cultivars | Liriodendron tulipifera |
| Native status | Non-native; invasive in Maryland | Maryland native |
| Noted traits | White spring flowers; strong odor reported | Tall stature; yellow-green tulip-shaped flowers; climate resilient |
TreeBaltimore and city leaders said the designation is part of broader efforts to improve Baltimore’s tree canopy, public green spaces and resilience to changing environmental conditions. Advocates for urban trees say selecting native, long-lived species can yield greater ecological benefits and lower long-term management costs than continued reliance on high-maintenance or invasive ornamentals.
Residents seeking more information about TreeBaltimore programs, upcoming plantings or guidance on preferred species for private yards can consult the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and the TreeBaltimore initiative.
