Cherry Blossom Tree
Prunus serrulata
Cherry blossom trees are ornamental flowering cherries famed for their spectacular spring bloom of pink or white blossoms. Central to Japanese hanami tradition, they are short-lived but beloved worldwide.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; regular water, well-drained
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Got a plant like this?
Identify any plant from a photo, free.
Overview
The cherry blossom tree, or sakura, refers to several ornamental flowering cherries — most notably Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata) and the popular Yoshino cherry (Prunus × yedoensis) — grown for their breathtaking spring flowers rather than fruit.
For a brief period each spring, the bare or barely-leafed branches erupt in clouds of pink or white blossoms, a display celebrated in Japan's centuries-old hanami (flower-viewing) tradition.
Though relatively short-lived and somewhat high-maintenance, flowering cherries are among the world's most beloved ornamental trees, famously planted around Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin.
How to identify it
- Flowers: Showy clusters of single or double blossoms in white to deep pink, blooming in early-to-mid spring, often before or with the leaves.
- Leaves: Alternate, oval with finely serrated (saw-toothed) edges, often bronze when young, turning green then yellow-orange to red in fall.
- Bark: Smooth, glossy reddish-brown to gray, marked with prominent horizontal lenticels (corky lines).
- Habit: Often vase-shaped or spreading; some cultivars are weeping or columnar.
- Size: Commonly 15–40 ft tall depending on cultivar.
Care & growing
Flowering cherries need full sun for best bloom and well-drained soil.
- Water: Keep evenly moist, especially when young; avoid waterlogged soil, which encourages root rot.
- Soil: Fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained loam is ideal.
- Temperature: Most are hardy in USDA zones 5–8.
- Feeding: A light spring feeding of balanced fertilizer supports bloom and growth.
- Propagation: Cultivars are propagated by grafting or budding onto rootstock; they do not come true from seed.
- Note: Prune lightly after flowering; cherries are prone to pests and diseases and are relatively short-lived (often 20–40 years).
Habitat & origin
Ornamental flowering cherries originate from Japan, China, and Korea, where wild and cultivated cherries have been bred for ornament for over a thousand years.
They are now planted throughout temperate regions worldwide as street, park, and garden specimens. Famous plantings include the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., and parks across Japan where hanami festivals draw millions.
Uses & benefits
- Ornamental: Grown almost exclusively for their spectacular spring flower display and attractive bark.
- Cultural: The heart of Japanese hanami flower-viewing festivals and a powerful symbol of spring, renewal, and the fleeting nature of life.
- Culinary (specific species): Salt-pickled blossoms and leaves of certain cherries flavor traditional Japanese sweets and teas.
- Wildlife: Flowers provide early nectar for pollinators; some forms set small fruits eaten by birds.
Frequently asked questions
Do cherry blossom trees produce edible cherries?
Most ornamental flowering cherries are bred for flowers and produce little or no edible fruit; edible cherries come from different species such as Prunus avium.
How long do the blossoms last?
The peak bloom is famously brief, typically lasting only about one to two weeks depending on weather.
Why are my cherry tree's leaves and seeds considered toxic?
Like other Prunus species, the leaves, twigs, and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds that release cyanide when chewed, making them toxic if eaten.
How long do flowering cherry trees live?
They are relatively short-lived ornamentals, often surviving only 20 to 40 years, though some varieties and well-cared-for trees live longer.
Cherry Blossom Tree guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Cherry Blossom Tree.
