Prunus itosakura
In its own language: 糸桜
A long-lived wild cherry of Japan with clouds of pale flowers before the leaves
Prunus itosakura is a wild cherry tree native to Japan, known for its many small, white or pale pink flowers that bloom before the leaves appear. It grows slowly into a large, sturdy tree and is the source of famous cultivars like the weeping cherry and Yoshino cherry, often found at shrines and temples.
- Can live for over 1,000 years; some trees are famous landmarks in Japan
- Flowers appear before the leaves, creating a cloud-like effect
- Parent species of the well-known weeping cherry and Yoshino cherry
- Large, sturdy trees resistant to wind and snow damage
What does Prunus itosakura look like?
Prunus itosakura is a cherry tree that can grow over 30 meters tall. Its flowers are small, with five petals each, and appear in large numbers before the leaves, giving the tree a striking look. The blossoms are white or pale pink. The leaves are oval, about 5–10 cm long, and both the flower stems and leaves have many fine hairs. The tree has a strong trunk and is known for its resistance to wind and snow.
Where does Prunus itosakura come from?
This cherry is native to Japan and has been known since the Heian period, over a thousand years ago. The name itosakura means 'thread cherry', referring to the delicate look of its blossoms. Many famous old cherry trees in Japan, such as Jindai-zakura and Miharu Takizakura, are of this species. Cultivars like the weeping cherry and Yoshino cherry were bred from it, and its traits have shaped the most popular cherries in Japanese gardens.
When and how Prunus itosakura blooms
The tree blooms in early spring, before its leaves come out. It grows slowly, taking decades to flower after germination and only doing so when it reaches about 10 meters tall. It is usually grown from seed and prefers a climate similar to its native Japan. Cultivars and hybrids, such as those with weeping branches, are often planted in gardens and flower earlier and at a smaller size.
How Prunus itosakura is used
Prunus itosakura is planted at shrines, temples, and in local areas across Japan, where large old trees are seen as sacred and serve as landmarks. Its cultivars are popular in gardens for their early and showy bloom. The trees are celebrated during cherry blossom festivals, and their blossoms are a symbol of spring and renewal.
Kinds of Prunus itosakura
Notable cultivars include 'Shidare-zakura' (weeping cherry), 'Kohigan', and 'Jugatsu-zakura'. Hybrids with Prunus incisa, such as P. × subhirtella 'Jugatsu-zakura', flower in mild winter weather. The Yoshino cherry, Japan’s most popular cherry, is a hybrid involving this species. Some cultivars, like 'Omoigawa' and 'Ujou-shidare', have local origins and unique traits.
What Prunus itosakura means
In Japan, ancient Prunus itosakura trees are revered and often linked to Shinto and Buddhist sites. Their long life and early, abundant bloom make them symbols of endurance and renewal. The trees are central to cherry blossom viewing festivals, and individual old trees are celebrated as natural monuments.
Where Prunus itosakura is used and seen
Questions people ask about Prunus itosakura
Where does Prunus itosakura come from?
Prunus itosakura is native to Japan, where it has grown wild for over a thousand years and is linked to many historical and sacred sites.
What does Prunus itosakura look like?
It is a large cherry tree with many small, white or pale pink flowers that bloom before the leaves. The blossoms cover the branches, and the tree can grow over 30 meters tall.
What is Prunus itosakura used for?
It is planted at shrines, temples, and in gardens. Its flowers are celebrated during cherry blossom festivals, and old trees are revered as sacred landmarks.
Are there famous varieties of Prunus itosakura?
Yes, famous cultivars include the weeping cherry ('Shidare-zakura'), Yoshino cherry, and hybrids like 'Jugatsu-zakura', each with unique blooming habits and forms.
What does Prunus itosakura symbolise?
In Japan, it symbolises endurance, renewal, and the beauty of early spring. Ancient trees are seen as sacred and are celebrated in festivals and local culture.
Good reading and sources
- Prunus × subhirtella | winter-flowering cherryRoyal Horticultural Society, Article
- IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesIUCN Red List, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Prunus itosakura on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Prunus itosakura", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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