Sargent Cherry
Prunus sargentii
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
Prunus sargentii (Rosaceae) is a deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, and Sakhalin. It grows to 50 to 60 feet tall with an upright, spreading crown. Single pink flowers appear in early spring before the foliage emerges. New leaves unfurl in bronze to reddish tones. Fall color is one of the earliest and most reliable among ornamental cherries, turning orange-red to brilliant red.
Sargent cherry grows in full sun on well-drained soil. It is one of the hardiest and most disease-resistant ornamental cherries, and one of the largest. The species is valued as a street and park tree. Hardy in Zones 5a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. Sargent Cherry has passed 'full bloom' (825 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 754 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 825 | '' |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 9, 2026, then climate normals.