Plant
Yoshino Cherry
Prunus yedoensisAlso known as Tokyo Cherry, Somei-yoshino
Yoshino cherries produce breathtaking clouds of pale pink blossoms that open simultaneously in early spring before any foliage emerges. Propagated almost entirely as a single cultivated clone, these medium-sized trees form wide, spreading crowns that line parkways and riversides around the world. Their brief, synchronized flowering period creates iconic spring displays before petals carpet the ground like fallen snow.
FloweringOrnamentalDeciduous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Japanese Beetles
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
ThreatsFungal leaf spot, bacterial canker, pest infestations, climate change disrupting bloom timing
HabitatsTemperate parks, urban landscapes, open woodlands, gardens
Life span50–70 years
Classification
- OrderRosales
- FamilyRosaceae
- GenusPrunus
- SpeciesPrunus yedoensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Leaves and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides; keep pets from chewing on fallen branches or foliage.
- Why it is dangerous
- Wilted leaves, bark, and seed pits contain cyanogenic glycosides that convert to toxic hydrogen cyanide when digested by pets or livestock.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by smooth greyish bark with horizontal breathing pores and masses of five-petaled pale pink flowers blooming in early spring.
- What to do
- Enjoy the blossoms visually and keep domestic pets from chewing on fallen branches, foliage, or seeds.
Responsible observation
- Spring Viewing: Visit during peak bloom when trees form cloud-like canopies of pale pink blossoms.
- Pet Safety: Keep dogs from chewing on fallen twigs or leaves, which contain toxic compounds.
- Tree Care: Avoid heavy pruning of mature branches to prevent fungal decay and wood rot.
Parent Species SLIMHANNYA / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Parent Species no rights reserved · cc0
Pollinator Andreas Trepte / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "Sakura (Oshima Zakura) - Japanese Cherry Blossom" by Guwashi999 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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