Prunus x yedoensis 'Somei-yoshino'

Prunus x yedoensis 'Somei-yoshino'

 

Common name: Yoshino cherry tree

Family: Rosaceae

Leaf: simple, broad leaves are borne alternately, are serrated, elliptic to ovate, and up to 15 centimeters long (6 inches). They flush directly after flowering has finished, remaining green until the fall when they turn yellow to orange or orange/red.

Flowers: lovely pale pink to white blossoms which are borne in generous clusters all along its bare branches. Occasionally they can occur here and there along the main branches as well. Each flower is from 3-3.5 centimeters in diameter, sporting 5 broad petals, first opening pale pink and fading to near white as they mature. These occur in clusters of 5-6, and flower nearly simultaneously on any given tree.

Fruits: round fruits (known as drupes) quickly ripen, starting out green, then turning red, and finally mature black. They are small (around a centimeter wide), mildly sweet, and not very tasty due to their high acidity.

Habit: single-trunked deciduous spring flowering tree; Form: broad, rounded

Height: 40-45'

Culture: Best planted in full sun in well-drained soils. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8.

Uses: beautiful broad tree for large space. Spring interest.

Origin: garden origin (Japan)