Baltimore replaces invasive pear with tulip poplar as official tree after 52 years

For 52 years, Baltimore had the Chanticleer pear, also known as the callery pear, as its official city tree. That changed last month after the city selected the tulip poplar as its new official tree, replacing a species whose sale was banned in Maryland earlier this year.The change was announced in an unusual way at Cylburn Arboretum. According to The Baltimore Banner, six native tree species from the Baltimore area competed for the title, with forestry staff dressed in elaborate tree costumes and racing around a track as hundreds of residents watched.The six finalists were the tulip poplar, American sycamore, blackgum, bald cypress, bitternut hickory and overcup oak. Residents had voted for their preferred tree during a months-long competition organised by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks.The public vote had already decided the winner, but the final announcement came through a footrace.