Springtime has many heralds, and in Philly, one of those is blooming cherry trees.
Flowering cherry trees don’t actually bear any fruit, but these ornamental species do sprout iconic flowers that, depending on the specific variety, can be either pink or white — and usually stick around for just a few weeks.
In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms symbolize the spring, renewal, and the transience of life, and the flowers are widely celebrated when they’re blooming.
Philadelphia has many of these flowering trees. Some of them date back to when the Japanese government gifted 1,600 trees to the city in 1926 for the 150th anniversary of the United States’ independence. Between 1998 and 2007, the Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia planted even more throughout Philadelphia, according to the organization’s website.
Peak bloom in Philly is expected between today and April 2, CBS3 reported a few days ago — although some trees in the region were reportedly blooming ahead of schedule thanks to a warm weather spell.
This South Philly cherry tree is just starting to blossom. (Laura Benshoff/City Cast Philly)
🌸 Looking for these beautiful trees?
- Philly Mag lists 11 different places around the city where you can find flowering trees.
- Visit Philadelphia has suggestions, too.
- The Philadelphia Inquirer has a highly-detailed bloom map.
- The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia has a viewing map too, and it’s gorgeously illustrated!
- Celebrate the trees during Sakura Weekend at Fairmount Park, happening April 12 through 14.
This article has been updated with the correct estimated bloom dates.
