The Ephemeral Existence and Symbolic Significance of the Cherry Blossom

In the early 20th century, a captivating chapter unfolded in the history of Washington, D.C., as the city became home to a breathtaking gift from Japan - the iconic cherry blossom trees.

The story begins with David Fairchild, a "plant explorer" for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During a voyage to Japan in 1909, Fairchild fell in love with the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms and discovered that they could thrive in Washington, D.C.'s temperate climate.

Fast forward to 1909, and First Lady Nellie Taft agreed to plant cherry blossom trees in the nation's capital. The idea was suggested by Dr. Jokichi Takamine, a wealthy Japanese chemist, who proposed making them a gift from Japan.

The first two cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. were planted by Mrs. Taft on March 28, 1912, as gifts from the mayor of Tokyo. However, the first shipment of 2,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees was unfortunately plagued with insects and disease and had to be burned. A second shipment of 3,020 healthy trees arrived in Washington, D.C. on March 26, 1912.

The Japanese diplomat Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and the city of Tokyo gifted these 3,700 cherry blossom trees to the United States in the 1910s, and the planting involved the National Park Service.

The real story behind Washington's cherished cherry blossoms can be traced back to Eliza Scidmore, who campaigned for over 25 years to have cherry blossom trees planted in Potomac Park. Her persistence and passion finally bore fruit, making Washington, D.C. a city of blooming beauty every spring.

Today, the city's cherry blossom trees grow all over the world in temperate climates and bloom in various shades of pink or white. The blooming season is less than two weeks, but the tree itself may live for 30 to 40 years.

In 2025, the "peak bloom" of cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. is forecast for March 28 - 31. As the city prepares for this annual spectacle, one can't help but be reminded of the fascinating journey that brought these enchanting trees to the heart of the nation's capital.

Meanwhile, in Macon, Georgia, the International Cherry Blossom Festival features 350,000 cherry blossom trees and annual events like the Wiener Dog Race, celebrating the beauty and charm of these iconic trees in a different part of the country.

In Japan, weather websites closely track the cherry blossom "front" as bloom-worthy warm weather slowly makes its way from southern to northern Japan from March through May. This tradition highlights the universal appeal of these delicate, ephemeral blooms.

Interestingly, cherry blossom trees do not produce edible cherries but produce a tiny dark fruit that birds and animals eat. Despite this, the cherry blossoms continue to captivate people worldwide, symbolising the fleeting beauty of life and the promise of renewal each spring.