Definition

Noun: 1. A type of ornamental tree: Specifically, Prunus serrulata, widely cultivated for its showy, typically white or pink blossoms in spring. The small fruits it produces are generally considered inedible. It is a primary species used in ornamental cherry cultivation, especially for its beautiful spring flowers.

Usage

• The Japanese cherry trees along the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., are a famous tourist attraction every spring.
• Many parks feature Japanese cherry trees for their stunning but short-lived floral display.
• Botanists study various cultivars of the Japanese cherry to develop new blossom colors and forms.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in horticultural and botanical contexts to distinguish this specific ornamental species from cherry trees cultivated for fruit (e.g., sweet cherry, sour cherry).
• It is central to the cultural tradition of hanami (flower viewing) in Japan, though many trees in cherry blossom festivals are cultivars of this species.

Variants and Related Words

• Japanese flowering cherry: A common alternative name.
• Oriental cherry: Another synonym.
• Sakura (桜): The Japanese word for cherry blossom, often referring collectively to blossoms of ornamental cherry trees, including .
• Yoshino cherry (): A specific, very popular hybrid cultivar with pale pink to white flowers, often confused with or grouped under the general term "Japanese cherry."

Synonyms

• Flowering cherry
• Oriental cherry
• Hill cherry (less common)
• (scientific name)

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Fruit-bearing cherry tree: Such as the sweet cherry () or sour cherry (), which are cultivated primarily for their edible fruit rather than their blossoms.

Noun

1. ornamental tree with inedible fruits widely cultivated in many varieties for its white blossoms