Japanese flowering cherry Prunus 'Ukon'
ABOUT
The Prunus 'Ukon' is a flowering tree known for its unique and attractive blossoms. Its common name is not mentioned widely, but it belongs to the group commonly referred to as cherry trees. The tree produces clusters of semi-double flowers that exhibit a distinct coloration, ranging from a pale yellow to a creamy white hue. These blossoms often have a soft, frilled appearance that adds to their charm and stands out against the backdrop of its dark green leaves. The foliage of the tree is ovate with a pointed tip, and the leaves can turn to vibrant colors in the fall, providing seasonal interest. The bark of this tree is a smooth, glossy brown that may exfoliate with age, revealing a pattern that adds to its year-round appeal. In springtime, the branches are adorned with the showy flowers before the leaves fully unfurl, creating a magnificent floral display that is highly appreciated in ornamental horticulture. Following the blooming period, the tree may produce small fruit, although these are typically not a prominent feature. The overall form of the tree includes a rounded canopy with spreading branches, creating a picturesque silhouette. It is commonly used as a specimen plant in gardens and parks due to its decorative appearance throughout the seasons. The tree's visual appeal lies not only in its blossoms but also in the changing leaf color, the texture of the bark, and the structure of its branches which provide an elegant shape even in winter months when the tree is devoid of leaves.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Ukon Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Japanese Apricot
Common names
Prunus 'Ukon'
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus 'Ukon' is a cultivar of flowering cherry, known typically as sakura. Sakura trees are generally not toxic to humans, and in fact, certain parts are used in traditional Japanese confections, such as pickled blossoms and leaves in sakuramochi. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain compounds that can potentially be toxic, specifically cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when ingested. If cyanide is released in the digestive tract, it can lead to symptoms of poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, confusion, weakness, difficulty breathing, and potentially even coma or death in severe cases.
To pets
Similar to their effect on humans, sakura trees (flowering cherry trees) carry the risk of toxicity to pets if certain parts of the plant are ingested. The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when digested by pets. This can cause cyanide poisoning, whose symptoms may include panting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal. It is especially important to prevent pets from accessing any dropped seeds, or from chewing on branches or leaves.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pale yellow
Height
20 feet [6 meters]
Spread
20 feet [6 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Prunus 'Ukon', commonly known as Japanese flowering cherry, is a highly ornamental plant that adds stunning visual interest to landscapes with its unique pale yellow blossoms.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers provide an early spring nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Shade Provision: As a tree, the Japanese flowering cherry can offer a considerable amount of shade during the hotter months, creating a cooler microclimate.
- Cultural Significance: Celebrated in Japanese culture, this plant is often used in traditional festivals and gardens, providing a cultural and historic element to gardens around the world.
- Seasonal Interest: It marks the change of seasons with its spring flowers, providing a visual cue to the end of winter and the start of spring.
- Property Value Increase: An attractive landscaped garden featuring statement plants like the Japanese flowering cherry can increase the overall value of a property.
- Erosion Control: As a tree, it can help in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion with its root system.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant effects: Compounds found in the Prunus 'Ukon', such as flavonoids and phenolics, may possess antioxidant properties.
- Anti-inflammatory potential: Some research suggests that constituents of the flowering cherry may help reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic effects: There is limited evidence to suggest that components of Prunus 'Ukon' could have pain-relieving properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Landscaping: The Japanese flowering cherry 'Ukon', known for its unique yellow-greenish flowers, can be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and parks, serving both ornamental and culinary purposes with its fruit.
- Bonsai Cultivation: 'Ukon' is suitable for bonsai due to its interesting foliage and blooms, and it can provide hobbyists with a challenging yet rewarding experience in miniature tree shaping.
- Arts and Crafts: The wood of the Japanese flowering cherry can be used in woodworking to create small decorative items or artisan crafts that highlight the wood's fine grain.
- Photo Backdrops: With its striking springtime blossoms, 'Ukon' serves as an exceptional natural backdrop for photographers, thus supporting creative arts.
- Culinary Garnish: Petals of 'Ukon' can be used to add an elegant touch as garnishes on special culinary dishes for an added visual flair.
- Education and Research: 'Ukon' can be studied for its unique genetic traits and flower coloration, offering material for botanical studies and plant breeding research.
- Cultural Festivals: The tree may be planted as part of Japanese cherry blossom festivals, known as 'hanami', which are significant cultural events ideal for public engagement and educational purposes.
- Woodworking Material: Although not commonly used, the wood of the Japanese flowering cherry can be utilized in fine woodworking for making musical instruments or intricate carvings; its scarcity would make such items particularly unique.
- Urban Green Spaces: 'Ukon' provides urban dwellers a touch of nature with its lush foliage and blooms, improving city aesthetics and providing an urban oasis for residents and wildlife.
- Wedding Ceremonies: Branches of 'Ukon' with their charming flowers can be incorporated into wedding decorations, adding natural beauty to archways, centerpieces, or bouquets.
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- Rarity and Uniqueness: Prunus 'Ukon', also known as the Japanese Flowering Cherry, has an unusual cream-to-yellow color of blossoms which stands out compared to the more common pink cherry blossoms, symbolizing the uniqueness and rarity of certain qualities or experiences.
- Beauty and Transience: As with other cherry blossoms, the Prunus 'Ukon' represents the beauty of life and how quickly it can pass, reflecting on the transient nature of existence and the importance of living in the present moment.
- Spring and Renewal: The Japanese Flowering Cherry is a herald of spring, symbolizing new beginnings, renewal, and the cycle of life, as it is one of the first trees to bloom, signaling the end of winter and the onset of warmer weather.
- Friendship and Alliance: In international contexts, especially between Japan and other countries (notably the United States), cherry blossoms are seen as symbols of friendship, goodwill, and the strengthening of relationships between peoples.
- Purity and Gentleness: The delicate and light-colored blossoms of the Prunus 'Ukon' could be seen as representing purity, innocence, and a gentle nature, commonly associated with the immaculate and serene aesthetic of the flowers.
WaterThe Japanese flowering cherry, commonly known as 'Ukon', should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, typically once a week during its growing season. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice per week, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons per tree each time, depending on the tree's size and soil conditions. In the winter, reduce watering since the tree will be dormant and requires less moisture. Ensure the soil around 'Ukon' is well-draining to prevent root rot, and always water at the base of the tree, avoiding wetting the foliage to minimize disease risks.
LightThe Japanese flowering cherry 'Ukon' thrives best in full sunlight for at least six hours per day. Plant 'Ukon' in an area where it can receive unobstructed sunlight, which will promote the best flowering and growth. Avoid placing it in deep shade or overly bright, reflected light, which can stress the tree.
TemperatureThe Japanese flowering cherry 'Ukon' can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers moderate conditions. It is hardy to USDA Zones 5 through 8, which means it can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, 'Ukon' enjoys temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourage growth and flowering.
PruningPrune the Japanese flowering cherry 'Ukon' to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the tree for aesthetic purposes, commonly done during the dormant season in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done carefully to maintain the tree's natural form, removing only small branches that cross or grow inward. Pruning every 2 to 3 years is generally adequate for maintaining the health and appearance of 'Ukon'.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese flowering cherry 'Ukon' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix composed of two-thirds loam and one-third aged compost or well-rotted manure will provide the nutrients and structure needed for healthy growth.
RepottingThe Japanese flowering cherry 'Ukon' should be repotted every 3 to 5 years to refresh the soil and provide space for growing roots. Younger trees may need repotting more frequently than older, more established ones.
Humidity & MistingThe Japanese flowering cherry 'Ukon' prefers moderate humidity levels and can thrive in the average ambient humidity found outdoors in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, keep in cool room, and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, protect from strong winds, ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Prunus 'Ukon', commonly known as the Japanese flowering cherry, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. The germinated seed grows into a sapling, which gradually matures into a flowering tree through vegetative growth and the development of a sturdy trunk and branching system. Annually, in the spring, 'Ukon' enters a reproductive stage, displaying a profusion of pale yellow to cream-colored blossoms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, which encases the seeds, and these may be dispersed by wildlife or gravity once ripe, completing the cycle of seed dispersal. The tree enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, conserving energy and resources by shedding leaves and slowing growth. Throughout its lifetime, which can span several decades, the 'Ukon' will repeat this cycle, ensuring the continuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Japanese flowering cherry, known as Prunus 'Ukon', can be propagated most effectively through grafting. This process is generally performed in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Grafting involves taking a piece of stem with leaf buds, known as a scion, from a Japanese flowering cherry and attaching it to the rootstock of another cherry tree. The cut on both the rootstock and the scion must be made carefully to ensure the cambium layers, which are the growing parts of the stems, align properly. The joint is then secured with grafting tape or a similar binding material and coated with a sealing compound to prevent dehydration and infection. Over time, the two pieces will fuse together, creating a new tree with the desired characteristics of the Japanese flowering cherry.
