The Japanese Flowering (Yoshino) Cherry grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well drained, clay soils.
This tree, along with other cousins of the same species, is the very symbol of spring beauty. One of the most widely planted ornamental cherry trees, it is ideal for planting close to sidewalks or as a patio shade tree. These particular Japanese Flowering Cherry seedlings are grown from seeds or cuttings.
The tree that made the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival famous. Fragrant, white-pink flowers; oriental branching pattern; glossy bark; dark-green leaves. Likes full sun, well-drained soil. Grows to 40' to 50'. (zones 5-8)
The Japanese Flowering Cherry is an important source of food for many small birds and mammals including robins, cardinals, and waxwings.
A native of Japan, the Yoshino Cherry tree was introduced to America in 1902. In Japan there is a believable legend that each spring a fairy maiden hovers low in the warm sky, wakening the sleeping Cherry trees to life with her delicate breath. This tree, along with its cousin the "Kwanzan" Cherry tree, is responsible for the spectacular pink color show each spring in Washington, D.C.
This tree requires moist, well drained soil and is some what drought tolerant.
The leaves alternate pattern, simple shape, often reddish as they emerge. Turning dark green by summer. Size ranges from 2-1/2 inches to 5 inches long and up to 2-1/2 inches wide.
Blossoms usually emerge before the leaves, providing a stunning show of pink, slightly fragrant flowers approximately 3/4 inch in diameter.
March - April.
The fruit is round in shape, 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. It is attractive to birds and as a result leaves insignificant litter.