The Yoshino cherry, along with the Japanese cherry tree, dominates the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Mature Height/Spread: The Yoshino cherry can grow 40 to 50 feet tall and wide, but is usually smaller. Most have a rounded, spreading growth habit; some cultivars have weeping forms.

Growth Rate: Although they grow quickly to 20 feet, they are relatively short-lived (15 to 20 years).

Ornamental Features: Bloom occurs in early spring, before the leaves develop. Showy flowers are white to pink, single or double, and slightly fragrant. Flowers can be damaged by late frosts or very windy conditions. Leaves are dark green, turning yellowish in the fall.

Landscape Use: This tree may be used as a small shade tree, lawn specimen, near a deck or patio or as a street tree, if irrigation is available.

It prefers moist, fast-draining, well-aerated acidic soil, and requires full sun. Keep roots moist; this tree is not tolerant of prolonged drought. It does tolerate heat and humidity. Pruning is seldom necessary except to remove dead or diseased wood, or crossing branches that appear awkward or rub against each other. To avoid reducing the following year’s flower display, prune crossing or rubbing branches immediately after flowering. Prune dead or diseased wood any time of year.

Problems: Problems that affect this tree include aphids, borers, scales and mites.

Cultivars:

* ‘Akebono’ (‘Daybreak’) – Grows 25 feet tall and wide with a rounded, spreading growth habit. Soft pink flowers bloom in early spring. Grows quickly in youth. Not well-suited for Coastal Plains.
* ‘Shidare Yoshino’ – A weeping, white-flowered selection. Often called Weeping Yoshino Cherry.