Explosion of cherry blossoms mark D.C.'s rite of spring

April 5, 1996
Web posted at: 8:45 a.m. EST

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Ah, spring in Washington, D.C. It's punctuated by the blooming of the famous cherry trees. But when is the full blush of the bloom the most spectacular? Right now.

National Park Service horticulturist Rob DeFeo says the trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, started to peak Thursday.

The glorious pink and white blossoms of the Yoshino and Kwansan cherry trees are a breathtaking spectacle surrounding the Tidal Basin at East Potomac Park on the Washington Monument grounds.

Their buds usually begin to expand in late February, and with a little careful monitoring and a steady eye upon the forecast, a fairly accurate blooming prediction can be made.

The original trees were planted in 1912 by first lady Mrs. William Howard Taft and the Viscountess Chinda of Japan. The Yoshino, Japan's favorite cultivated cherry tree, was developed around 1870.

The earliest recorded blooming was March 15, 1990; the latest was April 18, 1958.

April is the best time to see this year's explosion of blooms of the thousands of trees, and the best way to see them is on foot. The walk around the basin takes about 30 minutes.

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled from March 31 through April 14. The dates fluctuate from year to year according to the weather to ensure the best viewing. The chilly weather will help ensure that the blooms remain throughout the festival.

Feedback Send us your comments. Selected responses are posted daily.

| CONTENTS | SEARCH | CNN HOME PAGE | MAIN ENVIRONMENT PAGE |

---

Copyright © 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.