Yoshino Cherry Tree, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Yoshino Cherry, Potomac Cherry, Tokyo Cherry
Regarded as one of the most spectacular flowering trees, the Yoshino cherry tree, Prunus x yedoensis, is highly celebrated for its thousands of showy, almond-scented blossoms coming out all at once along its bare branches in early spring and then quickly falling.
Prunus x yedoensis, commonly known as the Yoshino cherry or Tokyo cherry, is a hybrid cherry of unknown parentage that has been cultivated in Japan for many centuries.
Description and Size: The Yoshino cherry is a deciduous tree that typically grows 40-50 feet (12-15 meters) tall with a spreading, broad-rounded, open crown. In Japan, it is often found along river banks, and in spring, the blooming of Yoshino cherries is a spectacular sight that draws tourists from around the world.
Growth Habit: It grows moderately fast, forming an upright, spreading to a vase-shaped crown with ascending branches. Some cultivars feature an elegant weeping habit.
Flowers: In early spring, before the leaves emerge, it produces a profusion of almond-scented, single or double, pale pink flowers which fade to almost pure white. Each flower has five slightly notched, white petals and many yellowish-green stamens. They are held in clusters of 5-6 blossoms and give way to small, shiny, black fruits, which birds quickly devour.
Blooming Season: It blooms in early to mid-spring. The spectacular floral display lasts up to 2 weeks, weather permitting.
Foliage: As the flowers wane, the ovate, serrated, dark green leaves emerge and create a fresh summer canopy. They turn attractive shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall before shedding to the ground.
Bark: The dark reddish-brown bark is marked by prominent lenticels, which add winter interest.
Hardiness: USDA zones 5 to 8.
Uses: The Yoshino cherry is primarily grown as an ornamental tree for its spring floral display. It’s the star of the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival. It also provides a good canopy for shade in summer.
Pollinators: Bees are particularly attracted to the flowers.
Deer/Rabbit: Deer generally avoid this plant.
Toxicity: The seeds of Prunus species contain compounds that can be converted into cyanide, so they can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
The Yoshino cherry is one of the most popular flowering cherry trees planted and has played a significant part in making ‘cherry blossom viewing’ a cultural event in Japan and the U.S.
There are several reasons to consider growing a Yoshino Cherry tree in your garden:
Remember, like any tree, it requires space to grow and should be planted in a location where it can spread out and not interfere with power lines or buildings. As part of the Prunus genus, its seeds can be toxic if ingested, so caution should be taken around pets and children.
Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
3 - 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid) Fall Winter |
Height |
40' - 50' (12m - 15m) |
Spread |
25' - 40' (7m - 12m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Bees |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
photop5 / paylessimages / 123RF Stock Photo
Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
3 - 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid) Fall Winter |
Height |
40' - 50' (12m - 15m) |
Spread |
25' - 40' (7m - 12m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Bees |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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