Do you know what the Akebono cheery tree is? You do, but you will know it better as you read. In the spring of 2018, I spent forty minutes to one hour admiring and taking pictures of a cherry tree near a grocery store downtown.
I was lost in the euphoria unknown to me, that some crowd had gathered around me watching the scene I created. I later realized that the captivating tree was an Akebono cherry tree.
When spring graces our landscapes, few trees announce their arrival as splendidly as the Akebono cherry tree. With its gentle pink blossoms that flutter like soft rain when the breezes pass, this ornamental cherry tree is a feast for the eyes. It is a small-scale deciduous tree that is highly valued for its beautiful pink blooms, attractive foliage, and pleasing symmetrical crown.
Let’s delve into the captivating world of the Akebono cherry tree and discover what makes it a garden favorite.
Origin and Background of Akebono Tree
The Akebono cherry tree, scientifically known as (Prunus x yedoensis) ‘Akebono’, is a cultivar of the Yoshino cherry tree. Native to Japan, this cherry tree has become a staple in many gardens and public spaces around the world. It plays a significant role in cherry blossom festivals, representing renewal, the fleeting nature of life, and the delicate beauty of spring.
Distinctive Features Akebono Cherry Tree Blossom
The blooming of cherry trees, including the Akebono cherry tree, is one of the most anxiously anticipated signals of spring. With its ethereal pink blossoms that paint landscapes—it’s a sight to behold. Dive deeper into understanding, appreciating, and caring for the flowers of the Akebono cherry tree.
1. Understanding the Blossom’s Beauty:
- Color Transformation: Akebono cherry blossoms open as a deep pink blossom and gradually fade to a soft, pale pink, almost white, as they mature. This dynamic shift adds a layer of depth to their beauty.
- Blossom Structure: Each blossom comprises five delicate petals surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens, creating a captivating contrast.
- Fragrance: The blossoms emit a subtle, sweet fragrance, which can be more pronounced in the early morning or evening.
2. Blossom Timing and Duration:
- Early to Mid-Spring: Akebono cherry trees typically blossom in early to mid-spring, although the exact timing can vary based on local climate conditions and the tree’s specific location.
- Peak Bloom: Once the blossoms open, they can remain in peak bloom for about a week, provided there are no strong winds or heavy rainfalls. From bud to the end of the bloom period, the spectacle might last 2-3 weeks.
Akebono Cherry Tree Leaves
Beyond the iconic spring blossoms, the Akebono cherry tree showcases a dynamic display through its leaves. From their emergence in spring to their colorful farewell in fall, the leaves of this cherry variety play a continuous role in the tree’s beauty.
1. Understanding the Leaf’s Characteristics:
- Shape and Size: Akebono cherry tree leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape, with serrated edges. Typically, they range from 2 to 5 inches in length.
- Spring Emergence: As the blossoms start to fade, the leaves make their appearance, showcasing a vibrant green that adds freshness to the garden landscape.
- Texture: The leaves have a somewhat glossy surface, giving them a lustrous appearance in sunlight.
2. Seasonal Transformations:
- Summer Shade: The Akebono cherry tree provides a dense canopy of rich green leaves throughout the summer, offering shade and a verdant garden backdrop.
- Autumn Display: As fall approaches, the leaves transform, turning hues of orange, red, and sometimes even gold. This shift adds a spectacular autumnal display before they eventually shed for winter.
Akebono Cherry Tree Fruit
Primarily, the akebono cherry tree is celebrated for its ornamental value, and there is often a lingering curiosity about its fruit.
1. Fruit Characteristics
Like other flowering cherry varieties, the Akebono cherry tree produces fruit. However, these fruits are quite different from the juicy cherries you might find at a supermarket.
- Size and Shape: The fruits of the Akebono cherry tree are small, typically less than half an inch in diameter.
- Color: When fully mature, they usually exhibit a dark purple or black hue.
- Taste and Texture: Unlike cultivated cherry varieties for consumption, these cherries tend to be bitter and have a somewhat astringent taste.
2. Edibility Akebono cherry
While the fruits are not toxic, their bitter taste makes them less desirable for direct consumption. However, wildlife, particularly birds, find them palatable and are often seen feasting on them.
These cherries are not commercially harvested or marketed for culinary use for humans due to their small size and not-so-pleasant flavor profile. If one wishes to experiment, they can be used in making jams or jellies, where ample sugar can offset their natural bitterness.
The small fruits of the Akebono cherry tree serve as a food source for various wildlife, especially birds. By providing sustenance, these trees play a role in supporting local ecosystems.
Additionally, the trees themselves attract pollinators through their blossoms and fruits, which aids in the region’s biodiversity.
Akebono Cherry Tree Bark and Growth
The bark and growth patterns offer a unique and vital aspect that gardeners, landscapers, and tree enthusiasts would find intriguing in the following:
1. Bark Characteristics
- Texture and Appearance: The bark of the Akebono cherry tree is relatively smooth in its younger years, but as the tree matures, the bark may become more textured, with noticeable horizontal lenticels characteristic of many cherry trees.
- Color: The bark typically has a reddish-brown or grayish hue. Over time, the bark may develop a slightly darker or even silvery patina with age and exposure to the elements.
- Peeling Nature: Some cherry trees exhibit a peeling nature, where thin layers of bark peel away, revealing a contrasting color underneath. It is less pronounced in Akebono cherry trees compared to some other cherry varieties.
2. Growth Pattern and Habit
- Growth Rate: The Akebono cherry tree boasts a moderate growth rate. Under ideal conditions, it can expect to grow at about 12 to 24 inches per year.
- Mature Size: Once it reaches maturity, which can be around 20-30 years, the Akebono cherry tree typically stands between 25 to 30 feet tall with a similar or slightly lesser spread.
- Shape: This cherry tree cultivar has a rounded to spreading canopy, making it an ideal choice for landscapes that aim to provide shade or a pronounced focal point.
- Lifespan: With proper care and barring significant diseases or pests, the Akebono cherry tree can thrive for several decades, enriching the landscape.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance of the Akebono Tree
In Japan, cherry blossoms, or ‘sakura‘, hold profound cultural and symbolic importance. They represent the transient nature of life due to their short bloom time. The Akebono cherry tree, with its unique pink blossoms, adds a layer of aesthetic depth to this symbolism.
Moreover, cherry blossom festivals, or ‘hanami,’ are a long-standing tradition in Japan. Those in attendance congregate beneath the blossoming trees to enjoy food, beverages, and the beauty of the blossoms – a testament to the tree’s integral role in social and cultural events.
Tips for Identification:
- Comparison to Yoshino Cherry: The ‘Akebono’ is a cultivar of the Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis). While Yoshino cherries have purely white blossoms, the ‘Akebono’ blossoms are pink.
- Time of Bloom: ‘Akebono’ cherry trees typically bloom in early to mid-spring, depending on the region. The blossoms last a short duration, usually a week or two, and are often celebrated in cherry blossom festivals. The soft pink blossoms of the ‘Akebono’ cherry tree make it relatively easy to distinguish from other cherry tree types.
Conclusion
After reading through the post, I believe you will want to know more about Akebono cherry tree planting and care if you plan to include this fascinating tree in your landscape design.
Akebono Cherry Tree FAQs
Q: What color are Akebono cherry trees?
Akebono cherry trees are renowned for their stunning pink blossoms. These blossoms start as a deep pink when they first open and gradually fade to a soft, pale pink, almost white, as they mature. The tree’s leaves are a vibrant green during the growing season.
Q: How big do Akebono cherries get?
Akebono cherry trees are primarily grown for ornamental purposes, and their cherries are small and not typically harvested for eating. The tree can reach heights of 20-25 feet with a similar spread when fully mature.
Q: What does Akebono cherry tree mean?
The word “Akebono” is of Japanese origin and translates to “dawn” or “daybreak.” This name captures the essence of the tree’s blossoms, which can resemble the soft hues of dawn.
Q: How do you care for Akebono cherries?
Caring for Akebono cherries involves:
- Ensuring they receive adequate sunlight (at least 6 hours a day).
- Watering them consistently, especially during dry spells.
- Protecting against pests and diseases.
- Regular pruning, proper fertilization, and winter care are essential for these trees’ thrive.
Q: What is the Akebono cherry tree growth rate?
The Akebono cherry tree has a moderate growth rate. It can grow between 12 to 24 inches annually, depending on conditions such as soil quality, water availability, and overall care.
Q: What is the Akebono cherry tree’s lifespan?
The Akebono cherry tree can live for several decades with proper care and favorable conditions. On average, its lifespan ranges from 30 to 40 years, though some trees have been known to live longer when planted in optimal environments.