Frequently Asked Questions
about the Cherry Trees
in Washington, DC

Q. It seems that every year during warm periods in the winter a few trees bloom early. What is going on?

A. There is a variety of cherry called the Autumn Flowering Cherry (Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis'). During unseasonably warm periods in late autumn or winter, the trees cast a light display of blossoms, and then flower more profusely in the spring. The autumn and winter blossoms are generally killed when the temperatures drop back below freezing. The flowers are are semi-double, deep pink in bud, open to light pink and then fade to white.