Cherry tree varieties offer more than just stunning springtime blossoms—they’re a celebration of color, shape, and seasonal beauty. Whether planted along national monuments or in home gardens, cherry trees bring graceful form and delicate blooms that signal the arrival of warmer days. With dozens of cultivars available, from classic Yoshino to cascading Weeping types, understanding which cherry tree best fits your space can turn a simple garden into a breathtaking landscape. This guide walks through the most recognized types found in Washington, D.C.’s famous cherry collection, while offering helpful insights for choosing the best cherry tree varieties for home gardens.

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Cherry Tree Types & Locations

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Washington, D.C. is home to approximately 3,800 cherry trees, many of which were part of the historic 1912 gift from Japan. While the city began with 12 unique varieties, two dominant types—Yoshino and Kwanzan—now make up the majority of the display, especially around the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park, and near the Washington Monument.

The Yoshino cherry tree, famous for its soft white blooms, creates the iconic cloud-like display that circles the Tidal Basin every spring. These trees bloom early and provide a fragrant, show-stopping landscape that draws millions of visitors during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

In contrast, the Kwanzan cherry tree blooms about two weeks later, offering vibrant pink double blossoms. These are mostly located in East Potomac Park and bring color depth and texture to the later part of the blooming season.

Scattered among these primary varieties are less common types like the Akebono, Weeping, and Autumn Flowering cherry trees, each adding unique shapes and shades to the scene. The diversity of trees ensures a layered blooming season, which can span several weeks depending on weather conditions.

Whether you’re planning a visit or thinking about adding a cherry tree to your yard, knowing where these varieties thrive offers insight into their growing preferences—like full sun, well-draining soil, and cold winter exposure for proper dormancy.

Cherry Tree Field Guide

Below is a closer look at the most iconic cherry tree varieties found in Washington, D.C., including their habits, bloom details, and suitability for home landscapes. Whether you’re selecting a tree for its color, shape, or bloom time, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Yoshino Cherry (Prunus × yedoensis)

~70% of trees in D.C.

• Habit: Rounded crown with a wide, spreading shape; reaches 30–50 ft
• Flowers: Single white blooms with almond-like fragrance, appearing in clusters of 2–5
• Best for: Large yards or public spaces
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 6 (0° to -10°F)

The Yoshino cherry tree is the hallmark of D.C.’s spring bloom, ideal for those seeking a traditional look with early-flowering drama.

Kwanzan Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’)

~13% of trees

• Habit: Upright-spreading with a rounded crown; up to 30 ft
• Flowers: Double pink blossoms with ~30 petals; appear in pendulous clusters
• Best for: Color-focused gardens with space for a medium-sized tree
• Bloom Time: Mid-spring, two weeks after Yoshino
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 5 (-10° to -20°F)

Loved for its bold pink blooms, the Kwanzan cherry tree adds late-season richness and density to any landscape.

Akebono Cherry (Prunus × yedoensis ‘Akebono’)

~3% of trees

• Habit: Similar to Yoshino—rounded and wide-spreading, 30–50 ft
• Flowers: Pale pink single blossoms fading to white
• Best for: Slight color contrast to Yoshino; similar growth requirements
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 6

While declining in nursery availability, Akebono cherry trees provide a subtle blush to spring gardens.

Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella var. pendula)

~2.4% of trees

• Habit: Gracefully weeping shape, 20–40 ft tall
• Flowers: Vary by cultivar; single to double blooms in pink or white
• Best for: Ornamental accents or focal points
• Bloom Time: About a week before Yoshino
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 5

A favorite for its elegant drooping branches, the Weeping cherry tree adds year-round structure even when not in bloom.

Takesimensis Cherry (Prunus takesimensis)

~5% of trees

• Habit: Upright spreading form, matures at 30–40 ft
• Flowers: White blooms in large, clustered formations with short stems
• Best for: Moist or flood-prone areas; suitable for experimental or naturalized gardens
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 6 (0° to -10°F)

Native to Ulleung Island near Korea, the Takesimensis cherry tree is being studied for its strong tolerance to wet conditions—making it a smart option for wetter climates or near water features.

Autumn Flowering Cherry (Prunus subhirtella var. autumnalis)

~3% of trees

• Habit: Upright, rounded tree reaching 25–30 ft tall
• Flowers: Semi-double pink blooms; may bloom sporadically in fall and fully in spring
• Best for: Year-round interest; especially those wanting surprise blooms in warmer winters
• Bloom Time: Sporadically in fall/winter; full bloom in spring
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 4 (-20° to -30°F)

The Autumn Flowering cherry tree provides rare off-season color. It’s ideal for gardeners who enjoy extended seasonal bloom potential.

Usuzumi Cherry (Prunus spachiana f. ascendens)

~1.3% of trees

• Habit: Graceful, ascending growth reaching 40 ft
• Flowers: Single white blooms that fade to a grey hue
• Best for: Symbolic or heritage-inspired plantings
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 6

Gifted from the legendary 1,400-year-old Usuzumi tree in Japan, this cherry tree carries cultural depth and understated beauty.

Sargent Cherry (Prunus sargentii)

<1% of trees

• Habit: Upright, spreading shape up to 50 ft
• Flowers: Single, deep pink blooms in clusters
• Best for: Strong structural form with bold early color
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 4

The Sargent cherry tree offers a showy, robust silhouette and vibrant color—great for cold climates.

Fugenzo Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Fugenzo’)

Percentage not listed

• Habit: Broad, sometimes flattened crown; reaches 20 ft
• Flowers: Double rose-pink blossoms in clusters of 4–6
• Best for: Compact spaces or traditional Japanese garden designs
• Bloom Time: Mid-spring
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 6

Among the oldest cultivated cherry trees, the Fugenzo cherry tree delivers vintage charm and layered bloom texture.

Okame Cherry (Prunus × ‘Okame’)

<1% of trees

• Habit: Upright, small tree; 25 ft tall with a 20 ft spread
• Flowers: Semi-double pink blooms; earliest to flower
• Best for: Small gardens or those desiring early spring color
• Bloom Time: Very early spring
• Hardiness Zone: USDA Zone 5–6

As the earliest bloomer of all, the Okame cherry tree brings a welcome preview of spring, even before others stir.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cherry tree for your landscape means more than picking a pretty blossom—it’s about understanding growth habits, bloom times, and climate compatibility. From the timeless beauty of the Yoshino to the dramatic cascades of the Weeping cherry, each variety offers something unique for your garden.

If you’re drawn to early blooms, consider Okame or Yoshino. Want richer color? Kwanzan or Sargent could be your pick. And for those seeking year-round interest, the Autumn Flowering cherry is a rare gem.

Whether you’re designing a formal space or creating a cozy backyard retreat, there’s a cherry tree suited to your needs—and planting one is a timeless way to welcome spring for generations to come.

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