The Yoshino cherry tree is a hybrid that results from the crossbreeding of the Prunus specioca (Oshima cherry) and Prunus pendula f. Ascendens (Edo Higan) cherry varieties. A widely popular cherry for its white blooms, quick growth, and preference for temperate climates, the Yoshino cherry is iconic of Washington, DC’s cherry blossom season and of the beautiful tidal basin. The first Yoshino cherries in Washington were a diplomatic gift from Japan. Yoshino cherries were chosen to be planted in Congressional Cemetery to echo that sentiment of peace.
The Yoshino cherries in HCC are the cultivar America, also called the Akebono (meaning “dawn” in Japanese). This is due to their soft white petals with just a hint of pink, reminiscent of dawn’s first light.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Yoshino Cherry (Somei-Yoshino) America/Akebono
FAMILY: Rosaceae
NATIVE STATUS: Non-Native
NATIVE RANGE: Japan
FOLIAGE: Deciduous
MAX. HEIGHT: 49 ft.
MAX. AGE: 145 yrs.
Stop #27 on the Congressional Tree Walk
