Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus 'Ichiyo' (d)
ABOUT
The Prunus 'Ichiyo' is a type of flowering cherry tree known for its striking display of blossoms. This tree features a profusion of large, pale pink, semi-double flowers that emerge in the spring. Each blossom typically has a layered arrangement of petals that open wide to showcase a subtle, lighter pink hue toward the center, creating a soft and delicate visual effect. The blooms often have a light and pleasant fragrance that adds to their allure. As the season progresses, the leaves of the Prunus 'Ichiyo' emerge and provide a backdrop of fresh green foliage that nicely complements the floral display. The leaves have an ovate shape with a pointed tip and serrated edges, creating an interesting texture within the canopy. Come autumn, the foliage may change color, adding another layer of interest to the tree's appearance. Additionally, the branches of this cherry tree tend to spread outwards, creating a graceful, overhanging silhouette that adds elegance to any garden setting. The bark on the trunk and branches adds to the aesthetic with its distinctive color and texture. Overall, the Prunus 'Ichiyo' is famous for its beautiful spring blossoms and the serene ambiance it creates in a landscape. Its visual appeal throughout the seasons makes it a cherished choice among ornamental trees.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Ichiyo Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Ichiyo'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is a type of Flowering Cherry. Generally, the leaves, stems, and seeds of Flowering Cherry trees can contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. However, the flesh of the fruit is usually not toxic. If ingested in significant quantities, parts of the plant such as leaves or seeds may cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, dizziness, headaches, confusion, agitation, and potentially more severe symptoms like convulsions or coma due to cyanide poisoning.
To pets
The Flowering Cherry can also be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, if they chew on the leaves, stems, or seeds. These contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body after ingestion. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include panting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, red gums, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to coma or death, much like in humans, due to cyanide toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
25 feet (7.62 meters)
Spread
20 feet (6.10 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Prunus 'Ichiyo' is known for its beautiful pink flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant has a notable spring bloom, providing an early season display when many other plants are not yet in flower.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Provision: As a tree, Prunus 'Ichiyo' can offer shade and cooler temperatures underneath its canopy during the warmer months.
- Cultural Significance: Often associated with traditional Japanese gardens, it has relevance in various cultural landscapes, symbolizing beauty and renewal.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree can provide nesting sites and habitat for birds and other wildlife species.
- Edible Fruit: Although not a primary reason for its cultivation, some Prunus species may produce fruit that can be consumed by humans or wildlife.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of the cherry tree is highly valued for crafting furniture and artistic items due to its attractive grain and color.
- Floral arrangements: The blossoms of cherry trees are popular in floral arrangements, particularly for celebrations such as weddings or traditional Japanese festivals.
- Culinary decoration: Cherry blossoms and leaves can be used as an edible decoration to embellish desserts and add a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Photography subject: Cherry trees, when in bloom, provide a picturesque setting ideal for professional and amateur photographers alike.
- Festival celebrations: Cherry blossoms are synonymous with springtime festivals in Japan, known as 'hanami', where people enjoy the transient beauty of the flowers.
- Dye production: The bark, leaves, and blossoms of the cherry tree can be used to create natural dyes for textiles and crafts.
- Cultural symbolism: Cherry blossoms are a symbol of beauty, renewal, and the ephemeral nature of life, often used in various cultural art forms such as poetry and literature.
- Landscape design: Cherry trees are used in landscape architecture for their aesthetic appeal and to create a focal point in gardens and parks.
- Educational tool: Cherry trees can be used in educational settings, to teach about plant life cycles, botany, and horticulture practices.
- Bonsai cultivation: Cherry trees can be pruned and maintained as bonsai, allowing for the enjoyment of their beauty in miniature form.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe flowering cherry tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe flowering cherry tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Life - The 'Ichiyo' is a variety of cherry blossom (Sakura) and it epitomizes the beauty of life and its transience. Cherry blossoms are known for their stunning but fleeting nature, symbolizing the ephemeral beauty of life.
- Renewal and Optimism - Cherry blossoms are one of the first to bloom in spring, representing renewal and the optimism that new beginnings bring.
- Love and Affection - In Japan, cherry blossoms are associated with love, affection, and the noble samurai's life, which is beautiful but short.
- Purity and Innocence - The delicate white and pink flowers of the 'Ichiyo' cherry tree are seen to symbolize purity and innocence.
WaterThe Japanese Flowering Cherry, or 'Ichiyo', should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the roots can access sufficient moisture. During active growth in the spring and summer, water at least once a week with approximately 1-2 gallons for younger trees and 2-4 gallons for established ones. Reduce watering to every two weeks in the fall and winter months, when the tree is dormant. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not waterlogged. During drought or extremely hot weather, you may need to increase watering frequency to prevent stress on the tree.
LightThe Japanese Flowering Cherry thrives in full sun conditions, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal location for 'Ichiyo' is in an open space, away from larger trees or structures that could create shade. Adequate sunlight is crucial for optimal flowering and overall health of the tree.
TemperatureThe Japanese Flowering Cherry prefers moderate temperatures and can handle a range from 20°F to 85°F. However, the ideal growing conditions for 'Ichiyo' are between 50°F and 75°F. It's essential to avoid exposure to extreme cold or heat, as temperatures below 20°F or above 85°F can cause damage to the tree.
PruningPrune the Japanese Flowering Cherry to shape the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation. The best time to prune 'Ichiyo' is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Perform light pruning annually and more extensive shaping every three to five years to maintain the desired structure and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Flowering Cherry trees, like Prunus 'Ichiyo', prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The best soil mix can consist of garden soil, compost, and peat moss in equal parts to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Regularly check soil moisture to avoid waterlogging.
RepottingJapanese Flowering Cherry trees or Prunus 'Ichiyo' typically do not require frequent repotting as they are often planted directly in the ground. If grown in containers, they should be repotted when the root system outgrows the pot, which may be every 3-5 years.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Flowering Cherry trees, specifically Prunus 'Ichiyo', thrive in moderate humidity levels. They are adaptable to the humidity levels found in most garden environments and do not require specific humidity conditions for growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; requires full sun, large space.
Outdoor
Needs full sun, well-draining soil, regular watering.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Ichiyo cherry tree, a variety of ornamental cherry, starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the soil under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. After germination, the seedling emerges and gradually develops into a young sapling, establishing a root system and producing its first leaves. As the sapling matures, it grows into a juvenile tree with increased foliage and begins to exhibit its characteristic smooth bark and serrated leaves. The tree reaches reproductive maturity after several years, typically flowering each spring with delicate, light pink blooms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers may develop into small fruits, which are typically not a significant feature of this ornamental variety. The Ichiyo cherry tree continues to flower annually, with growth slowing down as it ages until it eventually reaches senescence and dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus 'Ichiyo', a flowering cherry tree, is most commonly propagated by grafting, which is the process of joining two plants together so they continue their growth as one. This is best done during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring. In grafting, a scion (a small branch with buds) from the Prunus 'Ichiyo' is joined to a rootstock, which is the lower part of a compatible plant, ideally a Prunus species with a robust root system. The scion and rootstock are cut at matching angles to ensure a good cambial contact – the tissue where the graft will take – and are held together with grafting tape or wax. After a few weeks to a few months, depending on environmental conditions, the graft union should heal, allowing for a connection between scion and rootstock, thereby establishing a new flowering cherry tree which possesses the desirable characteristics of the 'Ichiyo' variety.
