Trees bloom on West Main Street in Bennettsville earlier this week, creating a canopy of white. Though frequently referred to as Bradford pears, the city-planted trees are actually zelkova, according to SC Forestry Commission urban arborist Lois Edwards. However, there are many Bradford pears, which look very similar, throughout the county. While the blooms are beautiful, the trees are now considered undesirable due to having a weak branch structure and tendency to choke out native species.
Photo by Dan McNiel