Cherry blossom

A cherry blossom, or sakura (Japanese kanji and Chinese character: 桜 or 櫻; katakana: サクラ), is a flower of Japanese cherry trees. The cherry fruit is from a different species of tree. Most of the flowers are white or pink with five petals.  

There are about 400 different types of cherry trees. They mutate easily. Somei Yoshino is the most famous type of sakura.  

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring for Japanese people. The traditional custom of Hanami or Flower viewing involves visiting places where sakura are blooming. The word "Sakura" can also be used as a name for women. 

What do cherry blossoms smell like? Cherry blossoms have a smell, but it's very faint and subtle. The scent features light notes of lilac, rose, and magnolia with a powdery vanilla note and almond-like aromas. The aroma isn't overly sweet, fruity, or floral.

 Related terms 
 Hanafubuki means a scene when the cherry petals are scattered like snow.
 Cosmos flowers are called Akizakura (autumn cherry blossoms) because the flower's shape is similar to a cherry blossom.

Related pages
 Hanami
 Ume

References

 Other websites 
 Vancouver Sakura Diary, photos of different Sakura varieties.
 Yeuoido Spring Flower Festival in Seoul 
 Sakura in Kyoto 
 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia  Information about cherry trees and Philadelphia's Cherry Blossom Festival.
 Sakura Gallery  From Tokyo & Kyoto.
 Photo Gallery of Cherry Blossoms  Sakura from Kyoto, Tokyo, Miyajima and other places around Japan.
 Photo Gallery of Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan 
 Cherry Blossom in Toronto, Canada, High Park 

Category:Trees
Category:Prunus
Category:National symbols of Japan
Category:Plants of Asia