Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus 'Amanogawa'
ABOUT
The Prunus 'Amanogawa' is a visually striking flowering tree, commonly known as a type of flowering cherry. During the spring season, it becomes a focal point in the landscape with its abundant and fragrant blossoms. The flowers are generally a soft pink color, which may vary in intensity from pale to a more saturated pink, presenting a beautiful contrast against the emerging green foliage. These blossoms are closely packed along the branches, creating a dramatic floral display. Unfolding along with the flowers or shortly thereafter, the leaves of the Prunus 'Amanogawa' display a green color and may have a reddish-bronze hue upon emergence. The foliage progresses to a green shade in summer, eventually turning to bright colors in the fall ranging from orange to red, providing seasonal interest. The bark of this tree has a smooth texture and may exhibit a deep brown to grayish color, offering additional visual interest throughout the year, especially in the winter when the branches are bare. The overall structure and habit of the Prunus 'Amanogawa' is often described as compact and vertical, giving it a distinctive appearance among flowering trees. This growth habit makes it well-suited to different landscapes, including smaller gardens. Though the size of the plant is not to be detailed, its proportions contribute significantly to its aesthetic value and its appeal in various garden settings. The tree's form, coupled with its showy blooms, textural bark, and seasonal leaf color changes, make it an attractive ornamental choice for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with vertical visual elements and seasonal color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Flowering Cherry, Columnar Japanese Cherry, Flagpole Cherry.
Common names
Prunus 'Amanogawa'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus 'Amanogawa', commonly known as the flowering cherry, has parts that are considered toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain amygdalin, which is a cyanogenic glycoside. When ingested and metabolized, amygdalin can release cyanide, a potent poison. The highest concentrations are typically found in the seeds, leaves, and stems. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning from ingestion of flowering cherry plant parts include difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid heart rate, convulsions, and potentially even coma or death in severe cases. The risk of poisoning in humans is generally low, as a substantial amount of plant material would need to be consumed to result in severe toxicity.
To pets
The Prunus 'Amanogawa', commonly known as the flowering cherry, is toxic to pets if ingested. Similar to humans, pets can be poisoned by consuming parts of the flowering cherry tree because they contain amygdalin. When this compound is metabolized, it can release cyanide. Pets may show symptoms such as drooling, difficulty breathing, panting, dilated pupils, seizures, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal. The seeds, leaves, and stems have the highest concentrations of amygdalin, so these are the most dangerous parts of the plant for pets. Pet owners should prevent their animals from chewing on or eating any part of the flowering cherry tree.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters)
Spread
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact growth habit: Ideal for small gardens or narrow spaces due to its columnar shape.
- Spring blossoms: Produces beautiful, fragrant pale pink flowers in spring that enhance any landscape.
- Autumn color: Offers visual interest in the fall with vibrant leaf color changes.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it has good tolerance to periods of low rainfall.
- Wildlife attraction: Attracts pollinators such as bees during flowering season.
- Ornamental fruit: Produces small ornamental fruit that can add to the visual appeal.
- Hardiness: Tolerates cold weather well, making it suitable for many climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Prunus 'Amanogawa' can be used as a living fence or privacy screen due to its tall and narrow growth habit, offering a natural alternative to constructed fences.
- The wood from the Cherry Blossom can be used in woodworking to create small objects such as decorative boxes or inlay for furniture, known for its fine grain and attractive color.
- Dried Cherry Blossom branches can be used as indoor decor or centerpieces, especially during events that coincide with the blooming season.
- Cherry Blossom petals can be used to make natural confetti for weddings or other celebratory events, adding a touch of elegance with their soft colors.
- The flowers can be pressed and included in clear phone case designs, bookmarks, or used in other arts and crafts projects as a symbol of spring.
- The tree can be planted as part of harmony gardens, designed to represent peace and rebirth, often seen in Japanese Zen garden designs.
- Cherry Blossom can be used for bonsai cultivation, allowing gardeners to enjoy the beauty of the flowers in miniature form.
- The fallen petals can be scattered on paths or walkways to create perfumed walkways in gardens or during events.
- Prunus 'Amanogawa' trees can be used in photography as a natural backdrop during the blooming season for portraits and artistic projects.
- Cherry Blossom is sometimes used in educational settings, such as botany classes, to teach students about plant life cycles and the cultural significance of flowering trees.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Flowering Cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Flowering Cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Elegance: Prunus 'Amanogawa', commonly known as the Japanese Flowering Cherry or Cherry Blossom, is often associated with beauty and elegance due to its stunning and graceful blossoms.
- Transience of Life: The Cherry Blossom's brief blooming period is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, symbolizing that beauty is temporary and life should be cherished.
- Spring and Renewal: As a harbinger of spring, the flowering of the Cherry Blossom represents renewal and the beginning of a new cycle of life.
- Purity and Innocence: The delicate white or pale pink blossoms of the Cherry Blossom tree are often linked to themes of purity and innocence.
- Femininity: In some cultures, the Cherry Blossom is a symbol of feminine beauty and power, often associated with the softness and depth of female energy.
- New Beginnings: The Cherry Blossom's springtime bloom often coincides with new starts, making it a symbol of optimism and new adventures.
- Friendship: In Japan, the Cherry Blossom is also a symbol of camaraderie and friendship, representing the social nature of humans and the importance of community.
WaterThe Japanese Flowering Cherry, or 'Amanogawa', requires consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. It's essential to water the plant at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage to minimize the risk of disease. Establish a routine of providing at least 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for young trees, increasing the amount as the tree matures to account for its larger root system and greater water needs. During hot or windy weather, additional watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
LightThe Japanese Flowering Cherry prefers full sun conditions to grow and bloom well. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunshine each day. The best spot would be an open area away from larger trees or structures that could cast shade on the 'Amanogawa'.
TemperatureThe Japanese Flowering Cherry is hardy and adapted to a range of temperatures but performs best in moderate conditions. The ideal temperature for this tree is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive winter lows down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme temperatures can stress the tree.
PruningPrune the Japanese Flowering Cherry to maintain its natural shape, remove any dead or broken branches, and promote overall health. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before the cherry tree begins its annual growth. It generally requires pruning once a year, but inspect periodically for damaged limbs that should be removed immediately.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Flowering Cherry, Prunus 'Amanogawa', thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, compost, and sand or perlite to improve drainage is ideal for this tree. Regular mulching can help maintain moisture and nutrient levels.
RepottingThe Japanese Flowering Cherry is typically not a potted plant and does not require repotting. It is planted outdoors and can live for many years without being moved, assuming it is planted in suitable conditions.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Flowering Cherry trees, also known as Prunus 'Amanogawa', are relatively adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions. They can tolerate the humidity levels found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growing; requires full sun and space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide mulch and space for root growth.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Prunus 'Amanogawa', commonly known as the Flagpole Cherry Tree, begins with seed germination where environmental conditions such as light, moisture, and temperature triggers the start of its development. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes roots and shoots, gradually developing into a sapling with characteristic simple leaves and initial woody tissue growth. As the tree matures, it enters a vegetative stage where it primarily focuses on height and canopy expansion, with structural branches and a more pronounced trunk developing. The Flagpole Cherry Tree then reaches reproductive maturity, marked by its iconic spring blossoms of fragrant pale pink to white flowers which attract pollinators and lead to fruit development, although the fruits are typically small and inedible. Pollinated flowers will produce seeds that once dispersed, can give rise to new plants, thus continuing the species' life cycle. The mature tree may live for several decades, with annual cycles of flowering, fruiting, and seed production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus 'Amanogawa', commonly known as the Japanese Flowering Cherry, is typically propagated through grafting. This popular method involves taking a scion, or a young shoot with buds, from the Japanese Flowering Cherry and attaching it to the rootstock of a related yet typically more hardy species of cherry tree. Grafting is carried out during the dormant season, usually in late winter to early spring. The cut surfaces of both scion and rootstock are matched up and bound tightly, often with grafting tape, allowing the tissues to grow together or 'fuse' over a period of weeks to months. This technique leverages the robust root system of the rootstock, while allowing the scion to develop, displaying the desired characteristics of the Japanese Flowering Cherry above ground.
