Yoshino Cherry
Prunus yedoensis
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Prunus x yedoensis (Rosaceae) is a deciduous tree of hybrid origin (probably P. speciosa x P. subhirtella), widely known as the Yoshino cherry. It grows 30 to 40 feet tall with a broad, spreading, often pendulous crown. Masses of lightly fragrant white to pale pink flowers appear in early to midspring before the leaves fully emerge. It is the cherry of the Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin.
Yoshino cherry grows in full sun on moist, well-drained soil. It is fast growing but relatively short-lived (typically 30 to 50 years). The species is susceptible to the same diseases and pests as other ornamental cherries. The cultivar 'Akebono' (Daybreak) has deeper pink flowers. Hardy in Zones 5a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Spring Canker Activation
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
Root Colonization Period
Wound Infection Window
+ 14 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Field Observations
Phenological Calendar
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Dormancy break / bud swell BBCH 01-03 | Feb 15-Mar 10 |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | Mar 10-Mar 25 |
| Full bloom BBCH 65 | Mar 15-Apr 5 |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | Mar 25-Apr 10 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 10-11 | Mar 25-Apr 15 |
| Fruit set BBCH 71 | May-Jun |
| Leaf senescence BBCH 93 | Oct-Nov |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | Nov-Feb |
Diseases: Regionally Documented (38)
Pests: Regionally Documented (22)
Cultivars (4)
Widely planted ornamental cherry in the Puget Sound region. Heavy spring bloom is a prominent feature of parks and residential streets; the WA State Capitol Campus in Olympia has notable specimens. Relatively short-lived (15-25 years); declining trees are common in older neighborhoods. Full bloom observed Mar 21 in Kent area and Mar 26 at Olympia in 2026. 'Berry' Cascade Snow™ and 'Akebono' are the most common cultivars in local nursery trade.
— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist