Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)

The Japanese flowering cherry is a medium-sized tree and is often used in landscape settings. It has dark green leaves that turn to a bronze red in the fall, non-fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring, and smooth and shiny red-brown bark. This tree attracts insect pollinators.

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Characteristics: The 2-inch to 5-inch-long leaves are finely toothed and dark green. New leaves emerge bronze-green. In the fall, leaves turn a bronze red. In the spring, non-fragrant, white flowers begin to bloom. These flowers are followed by pea-sized black fruits. Bark is red-brown, smooth, and shiny. This tree has rounded or vase shape. It grows 15-25 feet high and wide.

Foliage: Deciduous (leaves lost seasonally)

Geographic Origin: Japan, China, Korea (non-native)

 Cultivation Notes: Requires medium maintenance. Does best in full sun to part shade, though flowers best in full sun environments. Prefers moist and well-drained soils.

Number on Campus: 29

Sources: Dirr, Morton Arboretum, Missouri Botanical Garden