Cherry
Specifications
- Also known as: Flowering Cherry
- Latin (scientific) name: Prunus serrulata
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Special characteristics:
You’ve got the wrong cherry in mind if you think this tree will produce fruit. This one only blooms with fluffy pink single or double blossoms that will take your breath away. You can expect people to slow down while driving by and take in the sights if the tree is parked out near the street. The architecture is spreading and a perfect choice for adventurous kids intent on leaving the ground.
Annoyance factors:
Fun facts:
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Annoyance factors:
Short lived. These trees provide a lot of enjoyment while in their prime. They start losing important branches when they are about 20 years old. It’s rather heartbreaking when a major limb dies and you’ve got to cut it off. Each branch has a sentimental value and removing one of size is disturbing for many folks and disfiguring to the tree.
Bloom clutter. These blooms are slimy-slippery when they drop off the tree. It’s no big deal when they fall on the lawn but more risky when they lay on a hard surface, like walkways, decks, or driveways. Keeping hard surfaces clear of bloom buildup is especially important if elderly folks are around. The blooms blow easily, however. Enjoy the sudden cloud of pastel pink petals your machine kicks up. Here is a chore that is a bit more colorful than moving leaves.
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Fun Facts:
This is an important landscape tree in Japan. The Japanese have used this tree to build relationships through gift giving from one nation to another. Those beautiful cherry trees in Washington, D.C. that are so famous were originally (generations ago) given as a gift from Japan. There are big "Cherry Blossom Festivals" to this day in our nation's capitol as well as Macon, Georgia and many other cities in the United States.
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Photo Credits:
Light pink and double-blossom flowers, Tree: Peter Jenkins, TreeInspection.com
Leaves: T. Davis Sydnor, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Kwanzan Cherry: the plantingtree.com
Yoshino Cherry: greensborogardens.wordpress.com