These White Flowering Trees Are Better for Oklahoma

Oklahoma is extra beautiful when it’s in full bloom! But Okies will pinch their nose when they come across a Bradford Pear tree. Luckily, not all white flowering trees are stinky.

Unfortunately, Bradford Pear trees are pretty common in Oklahoma. But did you know that Bradford Pear trees are not native to Oklahoma? And they’re considered an invasive species. Oklahomans are urged to not plant these trees and to control them with herbicide.

Plus, they stink. So less Bradford Pear trees in Oklahoma, the better.

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This spring, several Oklahomans are taking it upon themselves to remove their Bradford Pear trees from their yards. Even the Science Museum of Oklahoma recently removed a Bradford Pear tree from its grounds stating that “while it was beautiful, it wasn’t the best fit for our native ecosystem.”

So what white flowering trees are better for Oklahoma and people’s noses?

Even though Bradford Pear trees are pretty with its white flowers, there are several other just-as-beautiful white flowering trees Oklahomans can embrace. According to the Oklahoma State University Natural Resources Extension, these are the white flowering tress Oklahomans should opt for over the Bradford Pear.

Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) – Native to Oklahoma, Plant them or allow to grow

Chickasaw/Sand Plum (Prunus angustifolia) – Native to Oklahoma, Plant or allow to grow

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) – Native to Oklahoma, Allow to grow

Common Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) – Native to Oklahoma, Plant or allow to grow

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