What Species are the Cherry Trees in Washington, DC?

Yoshino

• The predominant species in the plantings, with more than 2,850 trees, is the hybrid Yoshino cherry. Although the origin of the hybrid, Prunus x yedoensis, is unknown, its introduction dates to Tokyo in 1872. More than 100 of the Yoshino trees in the display are the Prunus x yedoensis "Akebono" cultivar, a mutation of the Yoshino introduced in 1920 by a Californian, W. B. Clarke. The Park Service lists a few trees of a more recent Yoshino introduction, a further selection of "Akebono," "Afterglow."

  The Yoshino trees bloom early; all have single blossoms, but the "Akebono" variety has a tinge of pink that fades to white by the time the petals fall, while "Afterglow" holds its pink color.

Prunus Serrulata

• The Prunus serrulata species is the second most common of the cherries in the planting, with almost 500 trees. The Park Service lists 481 of the "Kwanzan" cultivar, as well as 14 of Prunus serrulata "Fugenzo" and one Prunus serrulata "Shirofugen."

  The Prunus serrulata cultivars all have double blossoms. "Kwanzan" and "Fugenzo" are pink; "Fugenzo" flowers are a rosier pink shade, however. "Shirofugen" blooms open white, but age to pink.

Prunus Takesimensis

• There are almost 200 Takesimensis cherries in the display. These trees, which tolerate wet locations, have large white blossoms, reports Ann McClellan in her book, "The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration."

Prunus Subhirtella

• More than 100 Prunus subhirtella trees are the next most frequent species. Most are P. subhirtella var. pendula, the graceful weeping cherry, with early blooms that range in color from white to dark pink; blossoms can be single or double. The P. var. autumnalis, or autumn flowering cherry, provide the last blooms of the season, with pink, semi-double flowers.

The Rest

• The remaining trees include 50 Usuzumi cherries, Prunus spachiana fascendens; 20 Sargent cherries, Prunus sargentii; and a single Okame, Prunus x "Okame." The Usuzumi trees have white flowers; the blooms of Sargent and Okame are both dark pink.