Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) Prunus × yedoensis
Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) (Prunus × yedoensis) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Rosaceae family, native to Garden hybrid (Edo, Japan, 19th c.); the cherry of Washington's Tidal Basin. It grows 8–12 m (26–39 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Garden hybrid (Edo, Japan, 19th c.); the cherry of Washington's Tidal Basin |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, leaves, bark
Prunus leaves, bark and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino)
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
See Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (8 plants)
- China National Botanical Garden (4 plants)
Questions about Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino)
- How far apart should I plant Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) flower?
- From about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Prunus leaves, bark and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides.
- What grows well with Yoshino cherry (Somei-yoshino)?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USA National Phenology Network, USA-NPN
Notes and assumptions
- Pale pink buds open almost white, all at once, before the leaves: the classic hanami cherry. Short-lived for a tree (60–80 years).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata