Flowers
Cherry trees are distinct for their beautiful pink or white flowers that bloom in the springtime, usually sometime in March to April depending on the growing climate. These flowers have five petals and can be quite large, up to two inches in diameter, often with a mix of pink and white. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing on the eye, they are often considered to be of great cultural and ecological importance to certain parts of the world. The Japan blooming cherry tree is said to signify nature’s vitality, renewal and even national pride.
Fruit
A cherry tree will bear lush, ripe fruit for around 10 years. The fruits of the cherry tree vary in size and color, notably from yellow to black, ranging from about one centimeter in diameter for sweet and tart cherries or up to five or six centimeters for the wild cherry varieties. Some cherries are dark crimson red or burgundy, while others are light in hue. All cherries have a soft glossy skin and dry, crunchy flesh.
Leaves
The leaves of a cherry tree are usually simple and oval, with saw-toothed edges and a glossy upper surface, often maturing to a dark green color. There are several species of cherry blossom trees, each with its own set of characteristics. Every leaf on the tree is connected to an individual branching stem. The stem is usually green but can also present as red or purple. Most cherry trees have an alternate leaf arrangement.
Bark
The bark of a cherry tree has a unique and varied look, depending on the species, commonly displaying shades of copper, red, reddish brown, black, grey and combinations of those colours. Bark of a cherry tree often darkens in color with age, with the deepening furrows of older trees providing depth and texture, making them not only beautiful, but also quite striking to behold.
Wood
The heartwood of a cherry tree is reddish brown, often slightly darker than its sapwood. It is a hard, heavy, close-grained wood, yet somewhat brittle and susceptible to splitting, thus making it difficult to work with. It is considered an excellent burning wood, however, as it has a pleasant fragrance that wafts in the air when burning logs of cherry wood.
Bed
Cherry trees are often cultivated in spaced planting beds and pruned regularly to form a trellis in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing shape of the tree, improving flowering and fruiting capabilities. It is important to remember that cherry trees have shallow roots, making them a good choice for sites that have poor drainage as they will not overwater.
Pests and Diseases
Cherry trees are generally healthy but are susceptible to several pests and diseases, the most common being bacterial canker, bronze canker, black knot, and infected by cherry leaf spot fungus. However, these can be effectively managed and prevented through regular spraying of pesticides or fungicides during certain periods of the blooming and fruiting seasons. Additionally, it is important to inspect the tree regularly for signs of disease or pest activity such as stem cankers and bark discoloration.
The Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree
Japanese cherry trees are ornamental deciduous trees that are most widely known for their breathtaking show of pink blooms that brighten up the springtime in many parts of the world. Every year, many travellers flock in droves to various popular viewing sites to take part in Japan’s traditional cherry blossom viewing ritual known as hanami. The flowering of the cherry trees, a centuries-old symbol of beauty and seasonal renewal, is a celebrated event in Japan.
The tender petals and blossoms of these trees often come in subtle pastel shades of pinks, whites, and purples. They are characterized by a single trunk and a dense canopy with drooping branches and radiant flowers. The tree may reach up to 20 meters in height, but most cultivated cherry trees tend to top out at around ten meters.
Cherry Blossom Events
There are many festivals and events every year to celebrate the beautiful cherry blossoms. In Japan, the most famous two are the Tokyo-Hatsubai Festival, which is held in Tokyo in early April, and the Fukuoka-Hatsuwari Festival, which is held in Fukuoka in mid-March. The festivals include many traditional cultural activities, such as food and sake tasting, kabuki performances, and traditional music.
It is also common to see “yozakura,” lantern festivals where visitors carry hundreds of paper lanterns in different colours and light up the night with a peaceful and vibrant atmosphere. Traditionally, locals gather around the trees to sit and chat, drink, and enjoy the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom season.
Cherry Blossom Rock Festival
The cherry blossom rock festival is an annual event held in the southern city of Kagoshima in mid-April. It is a one-day outdoor concert featuring world-famous rock and metal acts, such as X Japan and Maximum the Hormone. There are also special attractions such as cherry blossom viewing and local handicrafts and culture displays.
The event is often used as a platform to support local and young artists and to promote new releases. It serves to unite many popular and underground acts, creating the perfect atmosphere for a memorable rock experience. Attending the cherry blossom rock festival is a great way to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossom trees while indulging in world-class, live music.
Conclusion
Cherry trees are beautiful, both in bloom and in fruit, and provide us with much beauty, culture and ecology in different parts of the world. From the elegant simplicity of the Japanese cherry tree to the festive cherry blossom rock festival in Kagoshima, cherry trees are an important part of many cultures, providing joy and delight to many. To witness the fleeting beauty of these trees is truly a magical experience.
