![National Park Service Logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081022035540im_/http://www.nps.gov/ncr/templates/images/graphics/parkblackband.gif) |
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![National Park Service: U.S. Department of the Interior](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081022035540im_/http://www.nps.gov/ncr/templates/images/graphics/prntarrw.gif) ![National Park Service Arrowhead](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081022035540im_/http://www.nps.gov/ncr/templates/images/graphics/prnttitl.gif) |
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National Mall & Memorial Parks
Cherry Blossom Warm Winter
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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.
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![Autumn blossom Autumn blossom](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081022035540im_/http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/images/autumnfreeze.jpg) |
NPS Photo- Brian Hall | Autumn Blooming Cherry |
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![Higan Cherry Blossom Higan Cherry Blossom](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081022035540im_/http://www.nps.gov/ncr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/NAMA_higan1.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Although Yoshino Cherry Trees are the predominant variety in downtown, there are other beautiful varieties? The one in the photo is a higan... Find out more....
more...
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Last Updated: January 25, 2007 at 13:21 EST |