The result of specialized hybridization of Oshima cherry tree varieties during the Edo period in Japan, the Kanzan variety of cherry tree, also known as Kwanzan or Sekiyama cherry, is a popular cultivar in Europe and North America for spectacular blossom-viewing landscaping. Kwanzan cherry blossoms are characterized by their deep pink color, thought to have been inherited from several mutant strains of wild Oshima cherries, and double-flower structure, which gives any single blossom from 20 to 50 petals. Their leaves are serrated and start with a rusty hue before maturing to green.
HCC’s cherry blossom trees can be found throughout the grounds, lining walking paths. The choice to plant these cherry blossoms, as well as HCC’s Yoshino cherries, was intentionally made to reflect the iconic DC cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Kwanzan Cherry “Sekiyama”
FAMILY: Rosaceae
NATIVE STATUS: Non-Native
NATIVE RANGE: Japan
FOLIAGE: Deciduous
MAX. HEIGHT: 36 ft.
MAX. AGE: 35 yrs.
Stop #6 on the Congressional Tree Walk
