Japanese Flowering Cherry
Prunus serrulata
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
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 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. Japanese Flowering Cherry has passed 'full bloom' (1497 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 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Full bloom' | 14 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Full bloom' | 25 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Full bloom' | 63 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 807 | '' |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 847 | '' |
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 1126 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 1224 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 1497 | '' |
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 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 9, 2026, then climate normals.