Japanese Flowering Cherry
Prunus serrulata
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Prunus serrulata (Rosaceae) is a deciduous tree of complex hybrid origin, representing the classic Japanese flowering cherries. Depending on cultivar, it grows 20 to 40 feet tall with a vase-shaped to spreading crown. Flowers range from single to fully double in white, pink, or deep rose, appearing in midspring. The dark, glossy bark has prominent horizontal lenticels.
Japanese flowering cherry grows in full sun on well-drained, fertile soil. 'Kwanzan' (double pink, vase-shaped) and 'Shirofugen' (double white aging to pink) are among the most common cultivars. The species tends to be shorter-lived than many trees (25 to 50 years) and is susceptible to bacterial canker, brown rot, and borers. Hardy in Zones 5a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Japanese Flowering Cherry has reached 'first bloom' (847 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'bud break', predicted around Apr 4.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 43 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 53 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'First bloom' | 'Bud break' | 15 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'First bloom' | 'Bud break' | 20 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'First bloom' | 'Bud break' | 25 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'First bloom' | 'Bud break' | 51 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'First bloom' | 'Bud break' | 56 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 807 | '' |
| ● 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NOW | 847 | '' |
| ○ 'Bud break' BBCH '07' NEXT | 1126 | '' est. Apr 4 (forecast) |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 1224 | '' est. Apr 9 (forecast) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.