Prunus serrulata (Japanese flowering cherry)

Prunus serrulata the Japanese flowering cherry tree is an ornamental tree producing masses of blossom and an icon of spring in the UK.

Wild Prunus serrulata originated in asia and is found in northern and central China, through Manchuria to Korea and Japan. Prunus serrulata can be traced back to as early as the fifteenth century.

Prunus serrulata © Tawashi 2006

Prunus serrulata is a variable species that also forms natural hybrids with close relatives such as

Prunus sargentii - Sargent’s cherry
Prunus speciosa - Oshima cherry

The species beauty and variety of natural hybrids led to widespread cultivation of Prunus serrulata over hundreds of years.

Cultivation leading to a vast assemblage of complex hybrids and cultivars of Prunus serrulata which are widely planted throughout Europe and North America.

Species detail

Taxonomy

Find out about the genus Prunus and get a description of the form and structure of Prunus serrulata. Learn about the different varieties of this species and find out how it can be distinguished from other cherry species.
Distribution and habitat

Discover where in the world Prunus serrulata is found and more about its natural habitat.
Biology

Learn about the size and reproductive patterns of the Japanese flowering cherry.
History

Prunus serrulata can be traced back to as early as the fifteenth century. Find out more about the history of this tree.
Varieties

There are three other recognised varieties of Prunus serrulata as well as the typical form Prunus serrulata var.serrulata. Find out more about these other varieties.
References

Get reference material for Prunus serrulata.