Japanese mountain cherry Prunus jamasakura
ABOUT
Prunus jamasakura, also commonly known as the Japanese mountain cherry, is a flowering tree that is widely appreciated for its ornamental qualities. The plant exhibits a magnificent display of blossoms, which are usually pale pink to white in hue. These blossoms typically appear in clusters along the branches, creating a dense and vivid floral canopy that is a hallmark signal of spring in many regions where it flourishes. The blooming cherry has a broad, rounded crown with spreading branches that contribute to its elegant silhouette. The flowers consist of five delicate petals that are slightly rounded, emanating a subtle and refreshing fragrance. After the flowering period, the plant bears small fruit, but these are often of little significance compared to the spectacular blossom display. The leaves of the Japanese mountain cherry are also notable; they are simple and ovate with a pointed tip, and they often emerge with a reddish hue before transitioning to a vibrant green as they mature. In autumn, the foliage may turn to a bright yellow or orange, offering a striking contrast to the surroundings before they fall. Throughout the year, the bark of the Japanese mountain cherry remains an attractive feature, typically exhibiting a smooth and glossy surface that may have a reddish-brown to grayish color depending on the maturity of the tree. The visual appeal of this plant, coupled with its seasonal changes, makes it a cherished species in gardens and public landscapes for its ability to add beauty to its environment throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Mountain Cherry, Yamazakura, Japanese Hill Cherry, Mountain Cherry
Common names
Cerasus jamasakura, Prunus verecunda, Cerasus jamasakura (Siebold ex Koidz.) H.Ohba, Prunus levigata, Prunus pseudojamasakura.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese mountain cherry, known as Prunus jamasakura, is similar to other members of the Prunus genus in that parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested. This includes the seeds, leaves, and stems which contain cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can break down into cyanide when digested. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and even convulsions and loss of consciousness in severe cases. If large quantities of these parts are ingested, it can potentially be fatal, so immediate medical attention would be required.
To pets
The Japanese mountain cherry, or Prunus jamasakura, possesses the same toxic properties to pets as it does to humans. The parts of the plant to be aware of are the seeds, leaves, and stems, which contain cyanogenic glycosides. Upon ingestion, these compounds can produce cyanide in the body. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, agitation, and even collapse. This poisoning can be acute, potentially leading to coma or death, especially in small pets. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting these plant parts and to seek veterinary attention immediately if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-25 feet [4.6-7.6 meters]
Spread
15-25 feet [4.6-7.6 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: The plant adds beauty to landscapes with its striking seasonal flowers.
- Habitat for wildlife: It provides food and shelter for various birds and insects.
- Cultural significance: Often associated with spring festivals and celebrations in Japan.
- Shade provision: The plant's canopy can offer shade and reduce heat in its immediate surroundings.
- Erosion control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion.
- Timber source: Wood from the plant can be used in furniture making and woodworking.
- Ornamental uses: Its blossoms are used for decoration and in floral arrangements.
- Educational interest: It can be used in botanical studies and horticultural education.
Medical Properties- This 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 Japanese mountain cherry tree can be used for creating small woodworking projects such as intricately carved items and decorative pieces due to its fine grain and aesthetic appeal.
- Cultural Symbolism: The Japanese mountain cherry blossoms are deeply symbolic in Japanese culture, often used in art, poetry, and various festivals to emphasize beauty and the transient nature of life.
- Educational Tools: The tree is used as a living tool for teaching about plant biology and life cycles, particularly in Japanese schools where cherry blossom viewing is a traditional event.
- Horticultural Training: Pruning and caring for Japanese mountain cherry trees can be used as a method for training students and enthusiasts in the principles of horticulture and tree care.
- Urban Landscaping: Due to its beautiful blossoms and stately appearance, the Japanese mountain cherry is used in urban settings to beautify parks and public spaces.
- Bonsai: The Japanese mountain cherry can be utilized as a species for creating bonsai trees, requiring meticulous care and pruning to maintain its miniature size and shape.
- Floral Arrangements: Branches of the Japanese mountain cherry with buds or flowers are often used in traditional Japanese floral arrangements known as 'ikebana' to add a seasonal touch.
- Photography: The picturesque blooms of the tree make it a popular subject for photographers, particularly during the annual cherry blossom season, symbolizing renewal and beauty.
- Event Themes: The blossoms of the Japanese mountain cherry are used to theme events, such as weddings or 'hanami' flower-viewing parties, celebrating their brief but intense display.
- Ink Production: The petals and blossoms can be used to make natural dyes for inks, which are then employed in traditional painting and fabric dyeing techniques.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Cherry Blossom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Cherry Blossom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty - Prunus jamasakura, commonly known as Japanese mountain cherry, symbolizes beauty due to its visually striking blossoms that captivate onlookers.
- Transience of Life - The fleeting nature of its blossoms, which peak and fade quickly, is often seen as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life, echoing the Japanese cultural theme of mono no aware.
- Renewal - With its annual blooming cycle, the Japanese mountain cherry represents renewal and the fresh start brought by spring.
- Purity - The delicate and pristine white or pink flowers of the Japanese mountain cherry are frequently associated with purity in Japan's cultural and aesthetic traditions.
WaterThe Japanese flowering cherry tree should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, increasing to twice a week during periods of drought or extreme heat. It's crucial to provide the young trees with about 10-15 gallons of water to encourage deep root growth. For mature trees, they may require up to 15-25 gallons, maintaining consistent moisture but allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent over-saturation and root rot. During the winter, watering can be reduced significantly, especially if there is sufficient rain.
LightThe Japanese flowering cherry thrives in full sunlight, so it's best planted in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. While the tree can tolerate partial shade, the flower bloom might be less prolific. Thus, an open area away from the shadow of buildings or larger trees is ideal.
TemperatureJapanese flowering cherry trees are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving in USDA zones 5 through 8. They can survive in temperatures as low as -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy and can handle the summer heat up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal growing temperatures for these trees range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning the Japanese flowering cherry tree is essential to maintain a strong structure, remove dead or diseased branches, and to shape the tree for aesthetic purposes. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thin out over-crowded branches annually to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy. Major pruning should be done every three to five years to maintain health and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Mountain Cherry prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The best soil mix could include garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and a portion of sand or perlite to ensure good drainage. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
RepottingJapanese Mountain Cherries, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root-bound conditions and refresh the soil. Ideally, repotting should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Mountain Cherry trees are adaptable to various humidity levels but perform best when there's average to high ambient humidity. They are traditionally outdoor trees and can tolerate the humidity levels found in typical garden environments without the need for adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Difficult indoors due to size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePrunus jamasakura, commonly known as the Japanese mountain cherry or Yamazakura, starts its life cycle as a seed, typically dispersed by animals or gravity. Upon germinating, the seedling emerges with its cotyledons (seed leaves) and begins to establish a root system and true leaves. As the seedling matures into a sapling, it develops a woody stem and branches, forming the basic structure of the tree. The sapling grows into a mature tree, which then blooms in the spring, displaying the characteristic pink or white cherry blossoms. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into cherries (fruit) that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as a perennial, the Yamazakura can live, grow, and reproduce for many years, going through cycles of blooming and fruiting annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating the Japanese flowering cherry or Sakura (Prunus jamasakura) is through grafting, which is typically done in late winter or early spring. This time coincides with the period when the tree is still dormant, just before the spring growth begins. Grafting involves taking a branch or bud from a mature Sakura tree and attaching it to a compatible rootstock. The most common grafting technique used for Sakura is the "cleft graft", where the gardener makes a cleavage in the rootstock and inserts a wedge-shaped cutting or "scion" from the desired Sakura tree. After insertion, the graft union is bound with grafting tape and sealed with grafting wax to protect against pests and disease. The success of grafting depends on careful alignment of the vascular cambium of both scion and rootstock to ensure proper vascular connection and subsequent growth.
