Japanese Flowering Cherry

(Prunus serrulata)

Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)

Famartin

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Famartin

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Famartin | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Famartin | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: 2014-05-10_12_34_11_Flowering_Cherry_along_New_Jersey_Route_29_in_Hopewell_Township,_New_Jersey.JPG | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=Leaves of Prunus tomentosa in June 2010. South Sihote-Alin}} {{ru|1=Листья вишни войлочной (Prunus tomentosa) в июне 2010 года. Юг Сихоте-Алинь}} |Source=Nikon D5

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Prunus serrulata, commonly known as Japanese Flowering Cherry, is a small deciduous tree that originates from temperate regions in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China. It is often found in forest edges and along streams in its native habitat. This species is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal, particularly during its prolific spring bloom when it produces clusters of two to five flowers at nodes on short spurs, coinciding with the emergence of new leaves. The flowers range from white to pink and are highly ornamental, with five petals each. The tree typically grows to a height of 7.9–11.9 meters (26–39 ft) with a dense crown and a short single trunk. The bark is smooth, chestnut-brown, and features prominent horizontal lenticels. In autumn, the foliage transitions to striking shades of yellow, red, or crimson.

Japanese Flowering Cherry is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks, valued for its stunning floral display and attractive fall coloration. It is also a centerpiece of cherry blossom festivals worldwide. While it is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, it thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to part shade. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods. Gardeners should be aware that while the tree is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases such as aphids and cherry leaf spot. The fruit is not a significant feature as it is small and not palatable, with little flesh around the seed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 15-25 feet
Width: 15-25 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Temperate regions in East Asia, including forest edges and along streams in Japan, Korea, and China

Other Names

Common Names: Japanese Cherry, Oriental Cherry, Grannenkirsche, Japanische Blütenkirsche, Cerisier Des Collines, Japanskt Prydnadskörsbär, Japanskt Körsbär, Kinesiskt Bergkörsbär, 가는잎벗나무, Shan Ying Hua

Scientific Names: , Prunus serrulata, Cerasus serrulata, Prunus lannesiana var. speciosa, Cerasus serrulatus, Prunus ×sieboldii, Cerasus sieboldii, Prunus wildeniana, Padus serrulata, Cerasus serrulata var. taishanensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus serrulata Lindl.