By Liliana Usvat
Blog 156-365
The Japanese flowering cherry is a member of the Family Rosaceae, commonly known as the Rose Family.
Ornamental cherries were sent as gifts of friendship by Japan to cities in North America starting as early as 1912, when 3,000 were given to Washington, D.C. In the early 1940s, 700 saplings were given to Vancouver, and were later planted in the city’s Queen Elizabeth Park.
During the 1950s, Vancouver parks officials, who thought the cherry was the perfect specimen to replace forest trees that were crowding city boulevards, purchased more and began grafting their own.
Today, almost 20,000 cherry trees grace Vancouver’s streets, and there are many more beautifying public and private gardens across Canada.
Cherry blossoms are symbols of simplicity, transience and ephemeral beauty. In medieval Japan, they symbolized the samurai. These men, who were prepared to sacrifice themselves for their masters, led lives like that of the cherry blossom—beautiful but brief.
The annual viewing of the cherry blooms, or hanami, has an almost religious fervour in Japan; for centuries, blossom-viewing picnics have been a rite of spring. Millions of people follow the northward progression of the blooms, and train stations post signs indicating the best spots for viewing. Cherry blossom viewing is now popular in North America as well.
Lifespan
On average, ornamental cherry trees live between 15 and 20 years, but some varieties can survive longer with the correct care. For example, Yoshino cherries normally live only into their second decade, but some specimens in Washington, D.C., have survived since their donation in 1912 by the Japanese government. Higan cherry trees are among the most stress-, heat- and cold-tolerant varieties and tend to survive well past their 20th year.
The cherry tree is the most widely planted ornamental tree in the United States. This genus contains over 400 species and many hybrids and cultivars native to temperate zones in Asia, Europe and America. Cherry trees require cold weather to flower and fruit, so they do not grow in tropical climates and would not grow well indoors.
The fastest growing flowering cherry trees grow 3 feet per
year. Yoshino flowering cherry (Prunus yedoensis), also known as Potomac
cherry and Tokyo cherry, has a canopy in an oval, rounded or umbrella
shape that reaches 35 feet tall. Its fragrant pink flowers blossom in
winter or spring, and its leaves turn bronze or gold in fall. 
The blossoming flowers of cherry, have always been used to bring the energy of new beginnings, a sense of freshness and innocence. Most often the image of cherry blossoms is used as a love & marriage cure, but can also be used as feng shui cure for health.
Blog 156-365
Ornamental cherries were sent as gifts of friendship by Japan to cities in North America starting as early as 1912, when 3,000 were given to Washington, D.C. In the early 1940s, 700 saplings were given to Vancouver, and were later planted in the city’s Queen Elizabeth Park.
During the 1950s, Vancouver parks officials, who thought the cherry was the perfect specimen to replace forest trees that were crowding city boulevards, purchased more and began grafting their own.
Today, almost 20,000 cherry trees grace Vancouver’s streets, and there are many more beautifying public and private gardens across Canada.
Cherry blossoms are symbols of simplicity, transience and ephemeral beauty. In medieval Japan, they symbolized the samurai. These men, who were prepared to sacrifice themselves for their masters, led lives like that of the cherry blossom—beautiful but brief.
The annual viewing of the cherry blooms, or hanami, has an almost religious fervour in Japan; for centuries, blossom-viewing picnics have been a rite of spring. Millions of people follow the northward progression of the blooms, and train stations post signs indicating the best spots for viewing. Cherry blossom viewing is now popular in North America as well.
Lifespan
On average, ornamental cherry trees live between 15 and 20 years, but some varieties can survive longer with the correct care. For example, Yoshino cherries normally live only into their second decade, but some specimens in Washington, D.C., have survived since their donation in 1912 by the Japanese government. Higan cherry trees are among the most stress-, heat- and cold-tolerant varieties and tend to survive well past their 20th year.
The cherry tree is the most widely planted ornamental tree in the United States. This genus contains over 400 species and many hybrids and cultivars native to temperate zones in Asia, Europe and America. Cherry trees require cold weather to flower and fruit, so they do not grow in tropical climates and would not grow well indoors.
The Fastest
Fruit Production
Cherry trees grown for fruit production are mostly hybrids of Asian species with more cold-hardy American species. Over 99 percent of fruit grown is sour cherries, primarily used for baking and canning. Cherry trees in orchards are kept to 15 feet tall to facilitate harvesting, but left to themselves would grow to 30 feet.
Beneficial Uses
While the tree bears no fruit, the fruit of other cultivars have many associated health benefits. In Asian folk medicine, the cherries proved beneficial for a variety of ailments including:- heart ailments,
- dropsy,
- toothache and
- gout-pain.
- Modern analysis of the fruit has revealed strong antiviral, antioxidative properties.
- Korean studies champion the cherries as a valuable addition to any diet.
- Centuries ago cherry tree bark was heated and used as a diuretic and astringent.
- The fruit is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorous. Cherries are also an excellent source of vitamins C, K and B6.
Cherry Care
- Water the tree regularly. Cherry trees need moist soil to thrive.
- Space cherry trees 35 to 40 feet apart to avoid diseases from spreading.
- Prune the tree in late winter to encourage growth of new fruit.
- Add fertilizer to the soil each spring.
- Do not plant cherry trees in the shade of tall buildings, as they need full sunlight to grow.
Feng Shui Flower Cherry Blossom Symbol
The blossoming flowers of cherry, have always been used to bring the energy of new beginnings, a sense of freshness and innocence. Most often the image of cherry blossoms is used as a love & marriage cure, but can also be used as feng shui cure for health.
