PRUNUS OKAME

The okame cherry is a small, deciduous tree in the Rosaceae (rose) family. The okame cherry transplants easily, requires full sun to partial shade, and grows well in almost any soil, including in heavy clay if there is good drainage. It does prefer protection from hot afternoon or reflected sun. This tree requires little pruning once scaffold branches are established, but the canopy can be pruned to best fit its planting location. It produces plentiful, mildly fragrant, rosy-pink flowers in early spring. The flowers completely cover bare branches, appearing earlier than most and lasting longer than other flowering cherries. The tree has polished, reddish-brown bark and fall foliage that ranges from bronzy red to bright orange. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers.

This tree is the one currently featured in Washington DC’s “Cherry Blossom Festival” each spring.