Yoshino Cherry Tree
Yoshino Cherry Tree, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Yoshino Cherry, Potomac Cherry, Tokyo Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis)

The Yoshino cherry, Prunus x yedoensis, is hailed as one of the most magnificent flowering trees for its thousands of showy, almond-scented flowers that emerge simultaneously along its bare branches in early April and then rapidly fall. The single flowers are 1.5 inches across and have light pink buds. They have five petals that open pale pink at first and then nearly white as they mature. They are held in clusters of 5 to 6 blossoms and bloom for 2 to 3 weeks before giving way to tiny, glossy, black fruits that are promptly eaten by birds. The Yoshino cherry, a native of Japan, offers a variety of intriguing features, including an elegant branching pattern, glossy bark, and dark green leaves that change color beautifully in the fall.