Native to Japan, the cherry blossom trees that draw crowds to the Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin each year were originally received as a gift from the nation in 1912. Now, thousands of trees dot the area near the National Mall, blooming in March and April, contributing to the theme of rebirth we associate with spring.
Although the blooms in Washington, D.C. may be the most popular in the country due to their placement among national monuments, such as the Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials, cherry blossoms grow in gardens in Massachusetts, New York, Missouri, California and other states across the nation. And, of course, they’re still found in Japan. Luckily, you don’t have to travel to any destination—unless you want to—to experience the beautiful blooms. Take a look.
At night, these cherry blossoms seem to almost glow in the dark.
Zhibin You, Maryland, 2023
These pink cherry blossoms would make perfect boutonnières, but who would dare pick them? Ningjing Lin, Massachusetts, 2021
Follow the path along the Cherry Walk at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, where double-flowering Kwanzan cherry blossom trees are on display. Tianna Strickland, New York, 2019
The Yoshino and Kwanzan (pictured) cherry blossom trees are the most prevalent in the Washington, D.C. area. Brianna Burnett, Virginia, 2020
Ready for its close-up, a squirrel peeks out from the cherry blossoms for the perfect photo. Jane Gamble, Washington, D.C., 2018
The Missouri Botanical Garden is one place to view cherry blossom trees in the Midwest. Roxanna Cummings, Missouri, 2020
Arriving ahead of schedule in 2024, the cherry blossoms, many of which encircle the waters in front of the Jefferson Memorial, peaked in mid-March. Sharron Owens, Washington, D.C., 2023
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