Japanese Cherry Prunus 'Taoyame'
ABOUT
The Prunus 'Taoyame' is an ornamental cherry tree known for its striking beauty during bloom. It features a burst of charming flowers that are typically a soft pink hue, adding a blush of color to any landscape. The blossoms have a delicate and elegant appearance, with individual petals that are smooth and may exhibit a slight gradation of color intensity, often more concentrated at the center. This cherry tree tends to have a profusion of blooms that create a dense, cloud-like effect when in full flower. The leaves of the Prunus 'Taoyame' add to its decorative appeal. They are lush and vibrant green, providing a fresh backdrop to the pink blossoms in the spring and early summer. As the seasons shift, the leaves may change color, offering a display of autumn hues that enhance the visual interest of the tree. While in bloom, the Prunus 'Taoyame' not only provides a visual treat but also may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which adds to the liveliness of the plant. The branches grow in a fashion that gives the tree a graceful structure, framing the floral display and making the 'Taoyame' a focal point in any setting where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Taoyame Cherry, Taoyame Flowering Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Taoyame'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus 'Taoyame', commonly known as cherry, can be toxic to humans if the wrong parts are consumed. The fruit flesh itself is not toxic, but the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. If a person consumes a sufficient quantity of these seeds, leaves, or stems, they could experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which can include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in extreme cases, convulsions, and even death due to respiratory failure. It is important to avoid ingesting these parts of the cherry plant.
To pets
The cherry plant is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets may include drooling, agitation, difficulty breathing, and shock. In severe cases, it could lead to collapse, seizures, coma, and potentially be fatal. It is critical to prevent pets from chewing on any part of the cherry plant other than the fruit flesh, and even then, the seeds should be removed to avoid any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Prunus 'Taoyame' is appreciated for its beautiful spring blossoms and attractive autumn foliage, adding aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The blossoms provide nectar, which attracts bees and other pollinators, while the fruit can attract birds and other wildlife.
- Shade Provider: As a tree, it can offer shade during the warmer months, creating a cooler microclimate and a comfortable area to relax outdoors.
- Seasonal Interest: With its changing appearance throughout the seasons, from bloom to fruit to fall color, the plant brings dynamic visual interest to the environment.
- Cultural Significance: Cherries have a symbolic importance in many cultures, particularly in Japan, where they symbolize the ephemeral nature of life.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Prunus 'Taoyame' typically requires relatively low upkeep, needing only basic pruning and occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of the Cherry Blossom tree can be used for woodworking and crafting furniture, offering a durable and visually appealing material.
- Cherry Blossom petals can be incorporated into bath salts and bombs, providing a natural and fragrant addition to a relaxing bath experience.
- The branches of the Cherry Blossom can be used in floral arrangements or as natural decorations to add a touch of spring to interiors.
- Pressed Cherry Blossom flowers can be used for scrapbooking or as a decorative element to enhance the appearance of personal diaries and photo albums.
- Cherry Blossom petals can be used to make syrups for use in beverages or as a unique sweetener for desserts.
- As a natural dye, the blossoms of the Cherry Blossom can be used to give fabrics or paper a soft pink hue.
- Dried Cherry Blossom petals can also serve as a component in homemade potpourri, adding color and pleasant aroma to a room.
- Cherry Blossom leaves can be used to create an infusion that imparts a mild flavor and aroma into rice or other dishes when cooked together.
- The twigs and smaller branches of the Cherry Blossom tree can be crafted into rustic wreaths or used as kindling for fires in open hearths.
- Petals from the Cherry Blossom can be used in artistic crafts such as resin jewelry, preserving the beauty of the petals in wearable art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cherry Blossom is used in Feng Shui to enhance love and romance luck, typically placed in the southwest corner of a garden or home to attract positive energy in relationships.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cherry Blossom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Prunus 'Taoyame', commonly known as Cherry Blossom, symbolizes beauty due to its breathtaking blooms that captivate onlookers during spring.
- Transience of life: Cherry Blossom's brief blooming period is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, echoing the Japanese concept of 'mono no aware' which acknowledges the impermanence of all things.
- Renewal: As Cherry Blossoms herald the arrival of spring, they are often associated with renewal and the fresh start that the season represents.
- Purity: The delicate white and pink flowers of the Cherry Blossom are frequently linked to purity and innocence.
- New beginnings: Cherry Blossom trees are emblematic of new beginnings and are often linked to the start of the calendar year or fiscal year in Japan, known as Sakura Matsuri or the Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Love and affection: In some cultures, Cherry Blossoms are seen as a symbol of love and affection, making them a popular motif in weddings and romantic celebrations.
- Education and mental prowess: The period of Cherry Blossom blooming coincides with the start of the school year in Japan, symbolizing a time for learning and intellectual challenge.
WaterFor the Japanese Flowering Cherry, which is the most common common name for Prunus 'Taoyame', it is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons per watering session for a small to medium-sized tree. During dry spells or in particularly hot climates, increase the frequency to twice a week to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In the dormant season, reduce watering to every two weeks or less, depending on the rainfall and soil moisture levels. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
LightThe Japanese Flowering Cherry thrives in full sun, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this tree would be in an open landscape or at least an area free from large buildings or other trees that could cast significant shade. While it can tolerate partial shade, flowering and overall growth are usually best in full sun conditions.
TemperatureThe Japanese Flowering Cherry can endure a range of temperatures, but its ideal growing conditions fall between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid planting in spots where temperature fluctuates drastically, as this can stress the tree and affect its blooming and growth.
PruningPrune the Japanese Flowering Cherry to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning should be done annually, as this encourages healthy growth and a robust structure. Care should be taken not to over-prune, as this can stress the tree and reduce the number of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCherry blossoms, including the 'Taoyame', thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix would include loam, compost, and sand in equal parts to ensure drainage and fertility. Incorporating organic matter can also help improve soil structure and provide nutrients.
RepottingCherry blossoms like 'Taoyame' typically don't need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-5 years. It's best to repot in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingCherry blossoms, such as 'Taoyame', tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but prefer moderate conditions. The best humidity level for this plant would be between 40% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for indoor 'Taoyame' cherry blossoms.
Outdoor
For outdoor 'Taoyame', plant in sun to part-shade and protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePrunus 'Taoyame', commonly known as flowering cherry, begins its life cycle as a seed, which under appropriate conditions will germinate and develop a root system and shoot. The seedling then grows into a young sapling, which over several years will mature into an adult tree capable of flowering. Once mature, flowering typically occurs in spring, with the tree producing delicate pink blossoms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the tree may produce small fruit, though ornamental varieties like 'Taoyame' are often more focused on blossom production than fruiting. The adult tree enters a period of maintenance, where it will continue to grow and produce flowers annually. Eventually, as the tree ages, it will reach the end of its life cycle, which can be several decades later for healthy specimens.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus 'Taoyame', commonly known as cherry blossom or flowering cherry, is best propagated through grafting, a method that is most popular due to its high success rate in reproducing the exact characteristics of the parent plant. Grafting is typically done in late winter or early spring before the cherry blossom begins to grow actively. The process involves taking a scion, a short length of stem with two or three buds, from a healthy, disease-free mother plant and joining it to a rootstock, a plant with established roots. The scion is usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The cut surfaces are bound with grafting tape or wax to hold them firmly together until the graft union has healed and the scion begins to grow, a process which can take several weeks to a few months. This method retains the desired traits of 'Taoyame', ensuring the new plants will exhibit the same beautiful blossoms and growth habits as the original.
