Weeping Cherry

Prunus itosakura Siebold

The Weeping Cherry tree is known for its graceful, drooping branches and beautiful pink or white blossoms in spring. It provides a lovely sight in gardens and parks.

Habitat: Gardens, Parks

Appearance

The Weeping Cherry has a graceful, cascading form with branches that drape towards the ground, creating a dome of foliage. In spring, it bursts into a spectacular display of delicate pink or white blossoms before its green leaves fully emerge. Its bark is typically dark and smooth.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPrunus

Weeping Cherry

Interesting facts

In Japan, these trees are a cherished symbol of spring and new beginnings.

Its iconic 'weeping' branches are thanks to a special genetic mutation!

Many varieties bloom *before* their leaves appear, creating a breathtaking floral cloud.

The tiny, sour cherries it produces are usually too bitter for humans to eat!

Special abilities

Weeping Cherry has pliable branches that naturally cascade downwards, creating its signature graceful, weeping shape.

Weeping Cherry can produce a stunning abundance of flowers very early in spring, attracting active pollinators.

Its profusion of fragrant blossoms acts as a strong beacon, helping it attract numerous insects for successful pollination.

Measurements & details

Height: 2-8 m
Canopy Spread: 3-7 m
Edible: No
Trunk Diameter: 30-60 cm
Lifespan: 20-50 years
Fruit Type: Drupe
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen from its flowers

pollinates

Painted Lady Butterfly

Vanessa cardui

visits flowers for nectar, aiding in pollination

eaten by

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Malacosoma americanum

caterpillars munch on its tender leaves

eats

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

small birds sometimes snack on its tiny, sour fruits

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Ornamental

Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.