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Description
Cerasus Kanzakura Oh-Kanzakura, also known as the Great Pink Cherry, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This tree is native to Japan and is widely cultivated for its beautiful pink flowers. It can grow up to 25 feet in height and 15 feet in width. Its flowers appear before the leaves in early spring and are a sight to behold. The flowers have five petals and are about an inch in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Cerasus |
Appearance
The Great Pink Cherry has a vase-shaped growth habit and its bark is smooth and grayish-brown. Its leaves are simple, ovate, and serrated. They are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces a large number of flowers that are pink in color and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers are followed by small, dark red fruits that are not edible.
Care Guide
The Great Pink Cherry tree is relatively easy to care for. It requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic. The tree should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures down to USDA hardiness zone 5.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Great Pink Cherry tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Aphids, spider mites, and scale insects can infest the tree and cause damage. The tree is also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and black knot. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate pesticides or fungicides can help prevent and control these issues.
Habitat
The Great Pink Cherry tree is native to Japan and is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can grow in a variety of habitats including forests, meadows, and gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the fruit of the Great Pink Cherry tree be eaten?
A: No, the fruit is not edible and is mainly used for ornamental purposes.
Q: How long does it take for the tree to bloom?
A: The tree usually blooms in early spring, about 3-4 years after planting.
Q: Is the Great Pink Cherry tree a good choice for a small garden?
A: Yes, the tree is relatively compact and can be pruned to maintain its size. It also has a beautiful appearance and fragrant flowers that make it a great addition to any garden.
Q: Does the tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the tree attracts birds and butterflies with its flowers and fruits.
Related Plants
- Cerasus serrulata
- Cerasus avium
- Cerasus canadensis
References
- Munemasa, K., & Murayama, T. (2018). Cerasus kanzakura ‘Oh-Kanzakura’, a new cultivar of Prunus kanzakura (Rosaceae) from Japan. Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica, 69(1), 23-26.
- “Prunus kanzakura.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287008.
- “Great Pink Cherry.” The Tree Center, www.thetreecenter.com/great-pink-cherry/.
