The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Botany›Cherry blossom
Science & Nature • Botany

Cherry blossom

Cherry blossom, or sakura, refers to the flowers of trees in the genus *Prunus*, especially ornamental cherry trees such as *Prunus serrulata*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cherry blossom, or sakura, refers to the flowers of trees in the genus *Prunus*, especially ornamental cherry trees such as *Prunus serrulata*. In English, sakura often refers to the blossoms rather than the fruit-bearing trees, which are different species. Cherry blossoms are widely associated with Japanese culture and springtime, and are also planted in Canadian cities for spring display.

Botany

Cherry blossom is the flower of several *Prunus* trees, especially ornamental cherry species in subgenus *Cerasus*. Many cultivated forms are grown for flowers rather than edible fruit.

Species and cultivars

The term sakura is commonly linked to *Prunus serrulata* and related ornamental hybrids. Sources note that many garden varieties are derived from multiple wild species and vary in flower form and colour.

Cultural significance

In Japan, sakura has long been tied to spring, renewal, and the appreciation of transient beauty. Public blossom-viewing, or hanami, is a well-known seasonal tradition.

Ornamental use

Cherry blossom trees are widely planted in parks, gardens, and streetscapes because of their spring display. They are valued primarily for their flowers rather than for fruit production.

Key facts

  • Sakura usually refers to the blossoms of ornamental cherry trees rather than fruit cherries.
  • Many ornamental sakura cultivars are derived from or associated with *Prunus serrulata* and related wild species.
  • Cherry blossoms are typically pink or white and bloom in spring.
  • Fruit-bearing cherries are different species from ornamental sakura trees.
  • Cherry blossoms are strongly associated with Japanese culture and the seasonal custom of hanami.
🍁
Canadian context

Cherry blossom trees are widely planted in Canadian cities and gardens for spring display, including notable public flowering-cherry collections and seasonal bloom events.[4][13]

Frequently asked questions

What is a sakura tree?
Sakura usually means an ornamental cherry tree, especially one grown for its blossoms rather than its fruit.
Are cherry blossoms and cherry fruit from the same tree?
Not usually. Ornamental sakura trees are often different from the cherry species grown for edible fruit.
What colour are cherry blossoms?
They are most often white or pink, though cultivated varieties can vary in shade and flower form.
Where are sakura trees native to?
Key ornamental species such as *Prunus serrulata* are native to East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China.
Why are cherry blossoms important in Japan?
They are a major cultural symbol of spring and renewal and are closely connected with hanami, the traditional viewing of blossoms.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_blossom
    Supports: Definition of cherry blossom/sakura; distinction from fruit cherries; association with *Prunus* subgenus *Cerasus*.
  2. Gardenish Plant Encyclopedia — https://gardenish.co/plants/prunus-serrulata
    Supports: Information on *Prunus serrulata*, ornamental use, native range, height, bloom timing, and flower colour.
  3. Botanikks — https://www.botanikks.com/plants/prunus-serrulata/589700/1
    Supports: Ornamental use, native range, and common names for *Prunus serrulata*.
  4. On Rock Garden — https://onrockgarden.com/index.php?view=article&id=541:sakura-cherry&catid=22
    Supports: Native range and bloom time in Toronto; relevance to Canadian readers.
  5. ByFood — https://www.byfood.com/blog/what-is-sakura-p-812
    Supports: Cultural significance, symbolism, and bloom duration in Japanese tradition.
  6. BioExplorer — https://www.biioexplorer.net/plants/flowers/japanese-cherry-blossom/
    Supports: Species details, common names, flower traits, and cultural symbolism.
  7. Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/our-garden/notable-plant-collections/flowering-cherries
    Supports: Use of flowering cherries in gardens and seasonal blooming.
  8. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_blossom
    Supports: General definition, number of types, and hanami custom.