Cherry Blossoms of Smithsonian Gardens

Two pink Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' flowers on twig with buds

Fragile flowers open into a new spring...

Cherry blossoms, sakura, these are just some of the names used to talk about the flowers of ornamental cherry trees. Originally cultivated in Japan and gifted to Washington, D.C. in 1912, the beauty and fleeting nature of a cherry blossom makes it a poignant sight.

Two Japanese woodblock prints. On left are cherry blossoms with bird by Utagawa Hiroshige, right is hanging blossoms in front of moon by Ito Sozan.
Two Japanese woodblock prints. On left are cherry blossoms with bird by Utagawa Hiroshige, right is hanging blossoms in front of moon by Ito Sozan.

Two Japanese woodblock prints from the Freer collection. The one on the left is by Utagawa Hiroshige, and the one to the right is by Ito Sozan.

Single pink kanzan flower on black background fills image.

An event for spring beauty

Now, the mass bloom of cotton candy-like trees is an event that people from around the country and world flock to D.C. to see.

At Smithsonian Gardens, we love these trees and their flowers, too. Not only do we have the iconic Yoshino cherry, but also 5 other varieties of ornamental cherries. From early-blooming higans to wild cherries in the late spring, the sight of each variety of cherry blossom brings its own enjoyment.

Three cherry trees in full bloom along a path with benches at Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden. Center tree is yoshino.
Cherry tree with slightly more pink flowers growing in a row on a raised wall
Kanzan cherry with puffy, dark pink flowers growing in a row. Background of oaks with new green leaves.

Map of the Ornamental Cherries of Smithsonian Gardens

Illustrated border of twining cherry blossoms from 1905.

All photography courtesy of

Hannele Lahti

Two Japanese woodblock prints from the Freer collection. The one on the left is by Utagawa Hiroshige, and the one to the right is by Ito Sozan.