The Cherry Tree in Washington DC
Washington DC is known for a variety of things – its iconic monuments, the hustle and bustle of its political life, and most notably, its iconic cherry tree that stands at the heart of the city. Every year, the spirit of the cherry tree marks the start of the tourist season in DC, attracting thousands of visitors each year. But what type of cherry tree is it?
Surprising to many is the fact that the cherry tree in Washington, DC is actually not an actual cherry tree. The tree is known as a Yoshino Cherry, also known as Prunus x yedoensis. Also sometimes referred to as an oriental cherry, the Yoshino is a hybrid of several species of cherry. It was created by crossing P. speciosa (native to Japan) with P. sargentii (found in Manchuria, Korea and Japan). It was first introduced to Washington DC in the early 1900s and has been growing ever since.
The Yoshino cherry was chosen because of its ornamental beauty. Its flowers are usually white or light pink in color, and they have a delicate, fragrant aroma. The tree’s foliage is also attractive, with a shiny, dark green color that can be appreciated year-round. Its fruit is small, and it produces little to no cherries.
The Yoshino is a popular choice for landscaping in the United States, due to its large size and resilience. It thrives in climates that range from humid to subtropical and can be found in large cities such as Washington, DC, as well as in smaller towns and rural areas. It can also handle significant environmental changes like temperature fluctuations, as well as different soils and fertilizers.
The Yoshino Cherry is tolerant of different types of pruning, so it is easy to maintain. It doesn’t require any special care, and minimal fertilization is usually enough to keep it healthy. This makes it a particularly desirable choice in urban settings. However, it is important to remember that the Yoshino can easily become stressed in environments with high levels of pollution and poor drainage.
In addition, the Yoshino cherry is vulnerable to certain diseases and pests. Aphids and scale insects can cause problems if the tree is not monitored regularly. Additionally, the Yoshino cherry is very susceptible to the fungus known as black knot, which can cause cankers on the tree’s branches. For this reason, it is important to remember to inspect the tree for signs of any of these possible threats.
The Yoshino Cherry is undoubtedly a beautiful monument to its home city of Washington, DC. It stands as a reminder to the city’s past, and a testament to its future. Its unique characteristics make the Yoshino a popular and iconic choice in public parks and gardens across the country – and with the proper care, anyone can enjoy its beauty.
Making a Home for the Cherry Tree
While the Washington, DC cherry tree is a stunning sight, it is worth noting that there is much more to its presence in the city than simply providing a pretty view. Indeed, the Yoshino needs the right environment to grow and thrive. Here are a few key factors that must be taken into consideration when looking to provide a home to a Yoshino cherry.
Climate: Yoshino cherries require a moderate climate- one that is not dominated either by hot or cold temperatures. As such, the Washington, DC area is perfectly suited. It has ample sunlight, temperatures ranging from warm to cool, and a sufficient amount of rainfall throughout the year.
Soil: The soil texture for a Yoshino cherry tree is not particularly important, as long as it is well-draining and does not contain any excessive levels of contaminants or minerals. A loamy soil made up of sand, silt, and clay is generally recommended. Clay soils are particularly useful for keeping the tightly-packed soil particles together and encouraging water retention.
Location: When choosing the right spot for a Yoshino cherry tree, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration. Firstly, the tree should be planted in a spot away from nearby trees and buildings. Secondly, it should be placed in an area that receives a fair amount of sunlight – at least six hours a day.
Fertilization: Yoshino cherries don’t require an abundance of fertilizer, however a light application in the spring and early summer can be of great benefit. It is important to remember, however, not to over-fertilize, as this will lead to an increase in disease and pests.
Water: The Yoshino cherry tree will benefit greatly from a slow, deep watering system. This helps the tree to form a deep and extensive root system, encouraging it to produce healthy foliage and flowers. Aim to water the tree once a week during its first spring and summer, and reduce this to once every two weeks thereafter.
Flowering & Fruiting of the Yoshino Cherry
The Yoshino cherry tree is known for its beautiful, fragrant clusters of white to light pink flowers. It typically blooms in late March or early April, and its flowers remain until late May or June. The flowers are quite small and inconspicuous, but they do produce a small, round fruit.
The Yoshino cherry tree does not produce a significant amount of fruit when compared to other types of cherry trees. This is because the flowers of the Yoshino are self-sterile, meaning that they need insects to pollinate them in order to produce fruit. As such, the Yoshino is usually not a good choice for backyard fruit production.
Caring for the Yoshino Cherry
The Yoshino cherry tree is a relatively low-maintenance plant, and once it is established it requires minimal effort to keep it healthy. However, there are some key steps that can be taken to ensure that it remains at its best.
Pruning: Pruning the Yoshino cherry tree is an important step to take if you want to ensure its longevity. As the tree can become quite large, it makes sense to prune it in order to limit its size and make it easier to manage. Pruning should be done in early spring, before the leaves and flowers appear.
Pests & Diseases: Yoshino cherries are susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale insects, and black knot. To combat these threats, it’s important to inspect the tree regularly and take steps to address any issues as soon as they are noticed. Additionally, the tree can be sprayed with a pesticide to protect it against these threats.
Fertilizer: The Yoshino cherry tree does not require large amounts of fertilizer, however a light application of fertilizer in the spring and early summer can help the tree to thrive. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the soil has sufficient levels of phosphorus and potassium, as these minerals can be beneficial for the tree’s health.
Harvesting Cherry Fruit
Even though the Yoshino cherry does not produce a significant amount of fruit, it is possible to collect some of the cherries that it produces. When harvesting cherry fruit from the Yoshino cherry tree, it is important to pick them when they are matured and ripe – usually in early summer or early fall. Overripe fruits should be discarded, as they can attract pests.
The cherries should also be harvested in the morning, as this is when the fruit are at their peak of sweetness. Furthermore, it is important not to over-harvest – the tree should have enough fruit remaining to continue blooming the following year.
The cherries can be enjoyed raw, and they make a delicious addition to pies, jams, and other cooked dishes. They can also be frozen or dried for later use.
Conclusion
The Yoshino cherry tree in Washington, DC is an iconic symbol of the city and one of its key attractions. Despite not being an actual cherry tree, it is still able to provide beautiful flowers and a unique experience for visitors. With the right environmental conditions and a bit of care, the Yoshino cherry tree can continue to provide its beauty for many more years to come.
