Sakura and Katsura at Morris Arboretum

Bob Gutowski, Director of Public Programs

Sakura, cherry blossom viewing, is a Japanese cultural tradition that has taken hold at the Morris Arboretum.  For me it starts with Prunus mume, Japanese Apricot, already in bloom near the Garden Railroad.  It carries a fine fragrance.  I heard it was in bloom today and took a walk after work to get acquainted with this new tree in the collection.

Prunus mume 'Shiro-Naniwa', Japanese Apricot, 2003-005-B

The Katsuratree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum,  is also putting on a fine show of flowering, although without petals.  Katsura are dioecious, having male and female trees.  This is a male.



















See more photos from March 22, and post your own on Flickr:  http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/submit_pictures.shtml