Cherry, Yoshino

The Yoshino Cherry tree usually grows to heights between 35 to 45 feet with spreads between 30 and 40 feet. The symmetrical canopy is round to vase shaped and moderately dense. For best growth, plant tree in well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil with full sun (crown will become one-sided if all sides do not receive sun). This tree is very sensitive to drought, so should not be placed in parking lot or near street but is great next to a water feature or in a backyard for shade.

The deciduous, 2-4” long LEAVES are alternate, simple and elliptical in shape. Each leaf has a rounded base and the leaf narrows to a slender point at the apex. In the fall the dark green leaves change to a showy yellow color.

Before the arrival of the leaves in late April, white to pink, showy flowers appear. Each flower is 1-1 1/2” in diameter and occurs in racemes of 4 or more. The round, black, fleshy FRUIT is 1/2-1” in diameter and attracts several kinds of birds.

The TRUNK normally grows with a single leader and is covered in reddish-brown, thin BARK, making it easily damageable from mechanical impact. The BRANCHES grow horizontally but tend to droop as the tree ages.