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.
Where do I go to see the cherry blossoms in DC? ›
Tidal Basin. An iconic location with more than 4,000 cherry trees, the area offers picturesque views of cherry blossoms framed by the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. As one of D. C's most popular destinations during cherry blossom season, expect huge crowds during peak bloom.
Who was the woman behind the Washington cherry blossoms? ›
Eliza Scidmore: The woman behind Washington's cherry trees | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News.
What is a famous quote about blossoms? ›
Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. There is no glory in star or blossom till looked upon by a loving eye; There is no fragrance in April breezes till breathed with joy as they wander by.
What is the Japanese word for admiring cherry blossoms? ›
In Japan, there's a word for admiring the cherry blossoms: hanami. To catch sight of this stunning springtime event, which generally starts at the end of March or early April, travel to Kawazu.
What does 🌸 mean? ›
A 🌸 emoji is a symbol for spring.
People travel from all over the world to experience spring under the cherry blossom's petals. Because of this, the 🌸 is often used when discussing the spring season.
What does cherry blossom mean in the Bible? ›
A Cherry Blossom stays every year in the same place it's planted because each year its roots run deeper and deeper. When we plant our lives in Jesus and continue to read scripture and pray, we are digging our roots deeper in Jesus.
What do cherry blossoms mean in 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.
How long do cherry blossoms last? ›
It can be as long as two weeks or as little as four to five days. As the blossoms move past their prime, the flowers become more fragile. In cool, calm, and dry conditions they can hang around a week or even two.
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. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a symbol with rich meaning in Japanese culture.
Who brought the cherry blossom trees to DC? ›
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration in Washington, D.C., commemorating the March 27, 1912, gift of Japanese cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City to the city of Washington, D.C. Ozaki gave the trees to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan and also ...
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).
How did Seattle get cherry blossoms? ›
Japan had given cherry trees to Seattle in the early twentieth century as well, and there are thousands of the trees around the city. Each year in April, Seattle has honored its friends across the Pacific with a host of cherry blossom festivals across the city.
What do cherry blossoms symbolize in Japan? ›
For many Japanese, the blooming of the cherry blossom trees symbolises human life, transience and nobleness. The Japanese love to celebrate and cherish the cherry blossoms trees during the limited flowering period and many people hold 'flower watching' parties known as hanami.
What is the flower quote in Japanese? ›
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)".
What is the Japanese symbol for cherry blossom? ›
Sakura (桜) - Sakura means “cherry blossom” and is derived from saku 咲, which means to bloom, or alternately to smile/laugh. The 口 in 咲 indicates an open mouth.
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.
