Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis)

There are few trees that I know of that can rival the beauty of the Yoshino Cherry tree. I have a fondness for most plants in the prunus genus but the Yoshino is a special favorite of mine. It's white blooms seem to glow in the sunlight and after they have fallen coat the ground like a luminescent snowfall. They are extremely easy to care for and are excellent here in Tennessee. When my two Bradford pears decide to split I'll be sure to add more cherry trees, odds are they will be Yoshinos. They may not bloom at the same time, but the more natural tree form and the solid wood of the cherry makes it a good replacement for the Bradford pear tree.

The Yoshino Cherry is the same cherry tree that was given to the United States by Japan and has become a popular seasonal attraction in Washington D.C.. In fact yesterday marked the beginning of the National Cherry Festival. According to the Cherry Blossom Festival website peak blooming should be between April 1-4 for that area of the country. For more information about the Yoshino Cherry's history you can look back at a post I wrote last year.

The first two pictures were of more established trees in my parent's yard. The first was planted before they purchased the home and the second one was planted a few years ago. Yoshino Cherries grow fast but their branching patterns are much stronger than the more vase shaped ornamental pear trees I mentioned earlier. This little cherry tree is a new one I planted in our yard. It's located just behind the rain garden.

As you peer closer at the blooms you can see why it is so well liked! Once the blooms disappear the foliage will take over to enjoy until fall.