As spring awakens across the United States, cherry blossoms are drawing in spectators to Washington as the iconic trees around the Tidal Basin are on the cusp of their peak bloom, while in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the blossoms are already in full glory.
In Washington, the National Mall, which is managed by the National Park Service (NPS), said in a Sunday post on X that the cherry trees have reached Stage 5, known as “puffy white,” where blossoms are beginning to show but have not yet fully opened.
They said this stage is a precursor to the peak bloom, which is expected to occur this week, depending on the weather. Peak bloom is defined as the day when 70 percent of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, typically happening between late March and early April, according to the park service.
While most trees remain in the puffy white stage, some around the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial are already displaying open blossoms, showing signs that peak bloom is imminent.
The length of the blooming period can also depend on the weather, with cool and calm weather extending it and rain or wind potentially cutting it short, according to the park service’s website.
Meanwhile, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, cherry blossoms at Gathering Place have already reached full bloom at the park, which boasts over 70 cherry trees, including varieties like Yoshino, Akebono, Higan, and weeping cherries.
Visitors to Gathering Place can check out Chapman Foundations Adventure Playground, where the trees are nestled along winding pathways and the Caterpillar Bridge. The park also has educational installations, art projects, and postcard writing at the ONEOK Boathouse.
In Japan, cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” symbolize new beginnings and the fleeting nature of life. The tradition of viewing these blossoms, known as “hanami,” is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, involving gatherings with family and friends to admire the blossoms while enjoying food and drink, according to the park’s website.
The connection between Japan and the United States is also highlighted by the history of the cherry trees. In 1912, Japan gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship and goodwill, which were planted around the Tidal Basin in Washington.
Outside of the cherry blossoms, Tulsa’s connection to Japan is further strengthened by its sister city relationship with Utsunomiya, which has brought forward cultural exchanges and educational programs.
