Is there a tree more gorgeous than the ornamental cherry tree? Not to be confused with the cherry tree that produces fruit, the ornamental cherry tree produces gorgeous pink and white blossoms every spring. These gorgeous blossoms have captivated the entire world, with many forming their own cultural and celebratory habits revolving around them. Cherry blossoms, which are the ultimate symbol of nature’s renewal, have a long and storied history. Are you interested in knowing ore about these alluring and delicate blossoms? If so, read below for some great cherry blossom wall art facts!
Location & Capital
- As gorgeous as cherry blossoms are, unfortunately, they can only be found in select countries. Many people commonly link the cherry blossom to Asia, and they would be correct to think that way! Cherry blossoms are called “sakura” in Japan, and the cherry blossoms that grow there in Yoshino and Kyoto are very well-known! Many tourists travel to Japan to see them each spring in a ceremonial activity referred to as “hanami,” which translates to “flower viewing.” If flying to Japan isn’t feasible, there are several places within the United States where they can be viewed. Cherry blossoms are located in cities such as San Francisco, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Seattle. They can also be found in Brazil and Australia.
- If you were to crown one place as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World,” you’d probably choose Kyoto or Yoshino in Japan. Funnily enough you’d be wrong, at least according the the U.S.! The U.S. Congressional Records states that the American state of Georgia is the world’s cherry blossom capital. Georgia is home to 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees, which dwarfs every other cherry blossom location in the world. Did you know that Georgia has its own cherry blossom festival? Every year, patrons attend this festival in Macon, Georgia and walk under a route with cherry blossoms overhead. Read below for more cherry blossom wall art facts!
Variety & Blooming
- Did you know that there are different types of cherry trees? The most common variety that most people think of when cherry trees are mentioned is the Yoshino tree. The Yoshino tree produces pink cherry blossoms that have give petals in total. Wondering how many varieties of cherry tree there are? By most estimates, there are around 600! Some flowering cherry trees bear fruit, while many others are purely ornamental. The flowers of most cherry trees change colors throughout the season. Most blossoms change from a dark pink hue to a light pink. The light pink often transitions to being completely white as well! Were you aware that some cherry blossoms actually start out colored green? Some trees even have blossoms with 28 petals on each flower!
- One reason why cherry blossom festivals and viewing ceremonies are so widespread is due to the nature of the blossoms themselves. Cherry trees are only in bloom for one to two weeks, depending on the variety of tree and surrounding environment. What’s even more shocking, is that cherry trees only keep their most vibrant colors for around three days. Outside of that time period, cherry blossoms tend to look rather pale instead of vibrant. If you’re planning a trip to see the cherry trees, you should probably research exactly when the trees in your location bloom. For instance, the cherry tress in Washington D.C. start to bloom in March, with their peak blooms arriving in early April. Read below for more cherry blossom wall art facts.
History & Dining
- The arrival of the ornamental cherry tree in America was simply disastrous. In 1909, Japan decided to gift America cherry trees as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries after Teddy Roosevelt negotiated an end to the Russo-Japanese War. When the trees arrived in Washington, they were found to be rotted and filled with wood-eating insects. American gardeners attempted to save them, but ultimately, the trees were stacked in a pile and burned. After the embarrassment, Japan decided to ship more trees as an apology. They arrived before the end of 1912 and were finally planted in Washington DC by Helen Taft.
- Many people find both natural and artificial floral flavors to be unpleasant. Many people, however, love the taste that flowers can add to food. Did you know that Japan tries to maximize each blooming season by gathering blossoms and converting them into items for food? For instance, many blossoms are saved and used to eat with sweet bean paste and rice cakes. American companies like Coke and Starbucks also get in on the cherry blossom craze in their Japanese markets. Coke make a special, cherry blossom infused soda while Starbucks makes multiple kinds of bakery treats and drinks with the essence of the blossoms. Did you know there even happens to be cherry blossom varieties of popular snacks like Kit Kats? We hope you enjoyed these cherry blossom wall art facts!
Conclusion
Ornamental cherry trees are arguably among the most beautiful in existence. The cherry blossoms they produce are gorgeous and are enamored by the entire world. How do you feel about cherry blossoms now that you know so much about them? Are you interested in planning a trip to see them? Maybe you’re looking up cherry blossom infused snacks to import! Or maybe you’re browsing Wall26 for delightful cherry blossom wall art! No matter what you do, we hope you enjoyed reading these cherry blossom wall art facts!