Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’ -Kwanzan Flowering Cherry

Botanical Name: Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’

Alternate Name: Kanzan Flowering Cherry, Sekiyama Flowering Cherry

The Kwanzan or Kanzan Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) is a very popular ornamental cherry tree as it has one of the best spring flower displays. It is a small deciduous tree that grows in a beautiful vase shape with upward, spreading branches. As it matures, it develops a more rounded crown. It grows to a height of 25-30 feet tall and wide.

The leaves emerge in the spring with a reddish bronze tinge. They deepen in color, maturing to a dark green in the summer. They grow up to 5 inches long and are ovate with serrate margins. In the fall, this flowering cherry tree puts on a beautiful display of orange, red, and bronze.

The blooms appear in April, covering the tree in a haze of deep pink. They are double flowers with 20 to 30 petals each, measuring 2-3 inches across and hanging in clusters of between 2 to 5 flowers. This ornamental cherry tree is sterile and does not produce fruit.

The Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree makes a wonderful focal point tree in the landscape. It also makes a big impact lining driveways, planted in parks, or as a lawn tree.

Japan donated 12 different species of cherry trees to the United States in 1912. The Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree was among them and was planted in the East Potomac Park.