Varieties of Cherry Tree Blossoms
In spring, the world is painted with beautiful colors as fruit trees, such as cherry trees, start to blossom. Peel back the layers of a cherry tree blossoms and you’ll find that each one displays an array of colors. Although most cherry tree blossoms are often referred to as white, they actually come in a wide range of colors, from the palest yellow to a deep magenta.
According to experts, the most popular varieties of cherry blossoms come in the colors of pink, white, and red. But there are also hybrids that come in an array of colors, from yellow and orange to mauve and purple.
The Different Shapes and Sizes of Cherry Tree Blossoms
Not only do cherry tree blossoms come in different colors, they also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some cherry trees have small cup-shaped blossoms, while others have large, flat, open-faced flowers. Cornell University’s descriptive guide for ornamental cherry blossoms states that the size and shape of the flower depends on the variety.
Cherry tree blossoms can be further classified into two groups. The first group is single flower cherries, which are trees that produce single, cup-shaped flowers. The second group is double flower cherries, which are trees that produce larger, flat, open-faced flowers.
No matter the size or the shape of the flower, the beauty of the cherry tree during the spring season is a sight to behold.
The Timing of Cherry Tree Blossoms
One of the things that makes cherry trees so captivating is their combination of delicate beauty and brief yet splendid appearance. Knowing the timing of when different cherry tree blossom is essential for evening catching even a glimpse of them.
In the United States and Canada, most cherry trees bloom in the late spring. In southern regions, cherry trees start to bloom as early as March; in northern regions, the flowers may start to appear as late as May.
Essentially, the timing depends on the weather and the seasonal temperatures in your area. In colder climates, the tree’s blossoms take longer to bloom. And in areas with extreme temperature fluctuation, cherry tree blossoms may open and close unpredictably.
The Meaning of Cherry Tree Blossoms
Cherry tree blossoms, especially pink or white, are beloved all over the world, but they are especially cherished in Japan. According to Japanese culture, cherry tree blossoms symbolize the fragility and the beauty of life and are thought of as the embodiment of humans short yet beautiful lives.
But cherry tree blossoms don’t just carry a symbolic meaning in Japanese culture— they also carry a historical significance. In Japan, cherry trees have been planted as an act of peace since the 19th century, and in the United States, cherry blossom trees are planted to honor special dignitaries.
The Significance of Cherry Tree Blossoms
Cherry tree blossoms are more than just objects of beauty —they provide invaluable environmental benefits. Flowering cherry trees have an important role in pollination, attracting bees and other pollinators, which play a critical role in keeping the environment healthy.
In terms of the human population, cherry blossom trees can also improve people’s mental and physical wellbeing, as just being in nature has been proven to reduce stress and boost mood.
The Impact of Human Activity on Cherry Tree Blossoms
Despite the benefits of cherry tree blossoms, they are under threat. One of the primary threats to cherry tree blossoms is human activity. Increased air pollution, climate change, and pesticides all have an impact on the fertility of cherry tree blossoms, and unfortunately, human activity is often responsible for these conditions.
Preserving the beauty of cherry tree blossoms must begin with a commitment to protecting the environment. To preserve the life force of cherry tree blossoms, it’s essential that we all make conscious choices to reduce our carbon footprint.
Is it Possible to Grow a Cherry Tree in Your Own Garden?
Cherry trees are among the easiest fruit trees to grow in your garden. Whether you’re interested in growing a cherry tree for edible cherries or for ornamental blossoms, you’ll find that choosing and maintaining a cherry tree is an easy and rewarding task.
Before you start to grow your own cherry tree, it’s important to consider your climate and space. Cherry trees require a minimum of 8-10 hours of direct sunlight, while some varieties may require more sunlight. Also, remember to check the soil before you plant. Cherry trees flourish in slightly acidic, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0.
Once you’ve prepared the area for planting, you can start to look for the perfect cherry tree. Make sure to find a tree that’s suited to your climate and consider the size, shape, and of course the color of the blossoms.
Harvesting the Fruits of Your Cherry Tree Labor
If you’re lucky enough to find a fruiting cherry tree, then you’ll also get to reap the rewards of your labor. When harvesting cherries, it’s essential to be gentle and carefully pick the fruits to avoid damaging the tree. You can also wait until the fruits are ripe and then pick them off the tree to avoid unnecessary stress to both the tree and the fruits.
When it comes to handling cherries, make sure to use a damp cloth to clean the fruits before storing them in the refrigerator. If stored properly, cherries will stay fresh for up to a week.
The Lifecycle of Cherry Tree Blossoms
The beauty of cherry tree blossoms does not last forever. In the fantastic display of hues and scents, the lifecycle of cherry blossoms may be hard to discern. The blossoms appear in all their glory in the spring and thrive in the warm, temperate climates.
Despite the momentary beauty of a cherry tree in full bloom, don’t fret—the blossoms will eventually give way to a series of stunning summer fruits. After the blossoming season, the cherry tree will remain in its peaceful and majestic state until the flowers return the following spring.
The Health Benefits of Cherry Tree Blossoms
In addition to their beauty, cherry tree blossoms also carry a variety of health benefits. Cherry blossoms are rich in antioxidants, which help us stay healthy and fight disease. They’re also a good source of vitamins C, A, E and K, which help to support vision, promote healthy skin and boost the immune system.
Cherry blossoms also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make them beneficial for treating common skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Likewise, the antioxidants found in cherry blossoms may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Herbal Remedies Featuring Cherry Tree Blossoms
Cherry blossoms are also well known for their use in traditional medicine, such as herbal remedies. For centuries, the petals of cherry tree blossoms have been used to make homemade tea, which is believed to help with a variety of ailments, from stomach problems to stress relief.
Traditionally, the Japanese herbal remedy called hinokitiol — a paste made from crushed cherry blossom petals — has been used to treat colds, headaches and other common illnesses. In recent years, scientists have studied hinokitiol and found that it may indeed have therapeutic properties, such as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal benefits.
Production of Wine From Cherry Tree Blossoms
As it turns out, cherry tree blossoms can also be used in another of form — as food. In Japan, the blossoms of certain cherry tree varieties are harvested and then dried before being used to make cherry blossom-infused sake, commonly referred to as sakura sake.
Moreover, cherry tree blossoms, along with other fruits and vegetables, can be used to create a variety of specialty liquors, wines, and other alcoholic beverages. Known as ume-shu, these alcoholic drinks are popular in East Asia, particularly Japan, and offer a unique and delicious drinking experience.
