All About the Japanese Cherry:
Scientific Nomenclature: Prunus serrulata
Common Name: Japanese cherry
Mature Height: 15–20 feet
Mature Spread: 15–20 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and pollinators
Messiness: Leaves drop in autumn. Flowers in mid-spring and blooms drop shortly after. Rarely fruits, if ever.
Shape: Vase-shaped
Native to Kentucky: No
Preferred Soils: Prefers well-drained loam or clay.
Screening: Not useful as a screening or privacy tree but is often used as a border tree.
Drought Tolerance: Is not tolerant of drought or drier soils.
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous
Pruning: Pruning isn't necessary other than occasionally removing deadwood to help keep the tree healthy.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one Japanese cherry will:
- Sequester ~1,261 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 326 gallons.