Japanese Flowering Cherry
Prunus serrulata · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Ornamental Hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Flowering, Landscape Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Yoshino' or 'Kwanzan' based on commonality in landscape use
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8; adaptable to temperate climates but sensitive to extreme heat or severe late spring frosts.
About This Tree
A popular ornamental tree known for its spectacular spring floral display. It typically features a vase-shaped or rounded canopy. The form is upright when young, becoming more spreading with age. At maturity, it creates a dense overhead crown suitable for residential gardens.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves; ovate to lanceolate shape; 2 to 5 inches long; serrated margins with small glandular teeth; dark green in summer turning to bronze, yellow, or red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Distinctive reddish-brown to grayish-brown bark with prominent horizontal lenticels (breathing pores) that appear as raised slits. On older wood, the bark may become slightly more furrowed or plated but generally retains its characteristic horizontal markings.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Japan, China, and Korea; widely naturalized in temperate North America and Europe
Growing Season
Leafing out in mid-spring; flowering in early to mid-spring (March-April); dormant in winter; produces high ornamental value during the spring bloom and fall foliage change
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun for best flowering; prefers moist, well-drained, loamy soils; moderate water needs once established; sensitive to extreme drought and waterlogged soils.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 15 to 35 feet in height and spread; moderate growth rate of 1-2 feet per year; lifespan usually 15-25 years in urban settings.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for ornamental spring blooms; fall foliage provides additional interest; bark is aesthetically pleasing in winter; however, it can be susceptible to various pests and diseases like trunk cankers and aphids.
Wildlife & Ecology
Flowers provide an early-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators. Some varieties produce small, bitter drupes (fruits) that are occasionally eaten by songbirds, though ornamental cultivars often produce little to no fruit.