Winter might not be over yet, but one of the earliest signs of spring is when the cherry blossoms bloom. The pop of pink and white clusters is so stunning that people travel from all over the world to see them. Just like Oklahoma’s famous redbud trees, the ornamental cherries are flowering trees that bloom towards the end of winter and act as a symbol of renewal. Their colorful, sweet-smelling blossoms are hard to miss—but if you don’t act fast, you actually might just miss them!
The cherry blossom season doesn’t last long; in fact, you only have about a month to see them. One of the most famous places to see the cherry blossoms in America is in Washington D.C., around the national monuments where over 3,000 trees were first planted in 1912. The trees were originally a gift of friendship from Japan, where they’re referred to as “sakura.” Though many people simply snap a few photos when they see the cherry blossoms bloom, in Japan, the flower holds a special meaning. It’s customary to take part in a centuries-old tradition known as “hanami,” which is to picnic under the trees. But even if you can’t make it to Washington D.C. (or Japan, for that matter!), there are other places to see cherry blossoms, too, including one state that’s known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.”
Whether you’re visiting a cherry blossom festival or simply looking for an idyllic spot for your next picnic, the sight of a blooming cherry blossom tree is truly a marvel. So how can you see one? And is it possible to have your own cherry blossom tree at home? Read on for everything you need to know about the cherry blossom season, including when it starts. Here’s a hint: It’s sooner than you might think!
When is cherry blossom season?
You already know that cherry blossom season takes places in early spring, but predicting the exact dates for peak bloom isn’t so easy. According to the National Park Service, the peak bloom occurs when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open, but it’s nearly impossible to determine more than 10 days in advance! It all depends on the weather, of course, but you’ll most likely see peak blossoms between March and April (which also happens to be the same time for cherry blossom season in Japan).
“Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom,” the National Park Service says, “and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms.”
The trees only bloom for about two weeks so you’ll want to see them while you can. Luckily, the National Park Service has a dedicated bloom watch to keep you updated on the 2024 dates for peak cherry blossom season.
Where are the best places to see cherry tree blossoms?
Washington D.C. might be the first place that comes to mind. The city hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival that includes a parade, kite festival, family-friendly spring activities, and fireworks show.
But other cities have cherry blossoms, too, including New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Portland’s Japanese American Historical Plaza, Boston’s Charles River Esplanade, and the Dallas Arboretum. You can also catch a Cherry Blossom Festival in Nashville, or head to Macon, Georgia, which is known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. It gets its name from the whopping 300,000 cherry trees that turn the whole city pink!
Can you grow cherry blossom trees?
Yes! If you want to experience the blossoms in your own backyard, there are several varieties of cherry trees that can grow in hardiness zones 5 through 8, just be sure to find a sunny location with well-drained soil. The best time to plant cherry trees is in early fall. While the ornamental trees don’t produce fruit, the cherry blossom petals are actually edible. Many Japanese teas and treats are made with pickled cherry blossoms. Just note that the seeds, stems, and leaves are toxic for pets!
Kara Zauberman
Kara Zauberman is the Senior Editor of Content Strategy at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, lifestyle, news, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find her seeking out new restaurants or cooking for friends and family.
FAQs
Hana wa sakuragi, hito wa bushi (Japanese: 花は桜木人は武士, literally "the [best] blossom is the cherry blossom; the [best] man is the warrior") is a Japanese proverb that originated in the medieval period. It is also rendered as "among blossoms the cherry blossom, among men, the warrior" or likewise.
What is the hidden meaning of the cherry blossom? ›
The sakura's meaning is also contradictory. It symbolizes both life and death, beauty and violence. As the coming of spring promises new life, so the blooming of cherry blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vibrancy. At the same time, their short lifespan is a reminder that life is fleeting.
Who was the woman behind the Washington cherry blossoms? ›
Eliza Scidmore: The woman behind Washington's cherry trees.
What does the cherry blossom tattoo mean? ›
One of the main symbolic meanings of cherry blossoms is the transience of life and the fleeting nature of beauty. This notion reminds us to cherish the present moment and appreciate the beauty around us before it fades away. It's a poignant reminder that life is short and we should make the most of every moment.
What is a famous quote about blossoms? ›
Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit. Trust dies but mistrust blossoms. Love is the flower of life, and blossoms unexpectedly and without law, and must be plucked where it is found, and enjoyed for the brief hour of its duration.
What is the Japanese word for admiring cherry blossoms? ›
Hanami (花見, "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers; flowers (花, hana) in this case almost always refer to those of the cherry (桜, sakura) or, less frequently, plum (梅, ume) trees.
What is cherry blossoms real name? ›
The cherry blossom, or sakura, is the flower of trees in Prunus subgenus Cerasus. "Sakura" usually refers to flowers of ornamental cherry trees, such as cultivars of Prunus serrulata, not trees grown for their fruit (although these also have blossoms).
What is the story behind the Washington cherry blossoms? ›
The tradition of celebrating the blooming of cherry trees in Japan is centuries old. The planting of cherry trees in Washington DC originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan.
What is a cherry blossom queen? ›
Since 1968, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Program has been dedicated to mentoring young women through community service, leadership, and cultural education. Every April, a new court is selected to represent the Japanese American community for a year as cultural ambassadors.
What does it mean when a girl sends you a cherry blossom emoji? ›
In some cases, the cherry blossom emoji is shorthand for beauty or cuteness. Someone, for instance, might tag a photo of a model or celebrity they find particularly beautiful with a cherry blossom emoji as if to say “This person is as pretty as a flower.”
Remember the cherry tree. Branches separated from their roots wither and die, but when they are connected, they receive nourishment, which brings abundant life. The Holy Ghost is that vital connection all of us have with our Father in Heaven, through whom we receive the nourishment of His wisdom, guidance, and love.
Do cherry blossoms symbolize love? ›
What Do Cherry Blossoms Mean? Cherry blossoms hold elevated status in China, signifying love and the female mystique (beauty, strength and sexuality), but nowhere in the world are the elusive flowers more cherished than in Japan, home to thousands of cherry blossom trees.
What is the Japanese tradition of cherry blossoms? ›
Widely celebrated in Japanese literature, poetry, and art, sakura carry layered meanings. For example, because they bloom briefly, the blossoms are often seen as a metaphor for the ephemeral beauty of living. At the same time, the joyful tradition of hanami (flower viewing) is an old and ongoing tradition.
What is the Japanese saying about flowers? ›
Hana ni arashi 花に嵐 --- There is a famous Japanese saying, "Tsuki ni muragumo, hana ni arashi (The moon is often hidden by a cloud; flowers are often scattered by the wind)".
Why did Japan give cherry blossoms to the US? ›
The tradition of celebrating the blooming of cherry trees in Japan is centuries old. The planting of cherry trees in Washington DC originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan. In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or "Sakura," is an important flowering plant.
What is the Japanese symbol for cherry blossoms? ›
Kanji for cherry blossoms is 「桜」 and is pronounced “Sakura.” Cherry blossoms grow wild in a wide area in the temperate zones in the northern hemisphere, not just in Japan. However, the flower has always been special to Japanese people and has a strong relationship with Japanese culture valuing impermanence.
