How to tell the difference between a Cherry Blossom, a Plum Blossom, and a Peach Flower [SAKURA]

It’s finally April, and spring is definitely in the air, and you know what that usually means in Japan, right? Yes, it’s sakura season!

However, it seems that many foreigners (and some Japanese) tend to confuse the sakura, or cherry blossoms, with two other pink 5-petal flowers, which also bloom almost at the same time.

Identifying the subtle differences between cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and peach flowers can be a rewarding experience for nature lovers.

While these flowers may appear similar at first glance, they each have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

1. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

• Season: Late March to early April (varies by region).
• Petal Shape: Cherry blossoms typically have notched or split petals, creating a slightly uneven edge.
• Color: Light pink to white, depending on the variety.
• Buds and Stems: The buds grow in clusters, and the stems are long and thin.
• Tree Bark: Cherry trees often have smooth bark with horizontal lines and noticeable lenticels (small bumps).
• Leaves: The leaves are green with a serrated edge and usually emerge after the flowers bloom.
• Overall Appearance: Cherry blossoms have a delicate and soft aesthetic, often associated with their fleeting nature and cultural significance in Japan.

2. Plum Blossoms (Ume)

• Season: Late February to early March.
• Petal Shape: Round petals without any splits or notches, giving a more symmetrical look.
• Color: Typically dark pink, red, or white, with a wider color range than cherry blossoms.
• Buds and Stems: The buds grow singly or in small groups, and the stems are shorter and thicker than those of cherry blossoms.
• Tree Bark: Plum tree bark is darker, rougher, and may have small cracks or fissures.
• Leaves: The leaves are reddish or bronze when young, appearing alongside or slightly after the blossoms.
• Overall Appearance: Plum blossoms are fragrant and appear earlier in the season, often symbolizing resilience in cold weather.

3. Peach Flowers (Momo)

• Season: Mid to late March.
• Petal Shape: Pointed petals that are slightly longer and narrower than those of cherry or plum blossoms.
• Color: Vibrant pink or light pink, often with a deeper color at the base of the petal.
• Buds and Stems: Peach flowers grow in pairs, giving a fuller and denser appearance.
• Tree Bark: Peach tree bark is reddish-brown, smooth, and sometimes glossy.
• Leaves: The leaves are elongated and narrow, appearing as the flowers bloom.
• Overall Appearance: Peach flowers have a vibrant, striking look, often cultivated for fruit production and ornamental purposes.

Quick Comparison Chart

Tips for Identifying in the Wild

When observing these blossoms in their natural settings, understanding a few key distinctions can help you confidently identify them.

Below are detailed tips for distinguishing between cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and peach flowers.

1. Seasonal Timing

The blooming season is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between these flowers.

• Plum Blossoms (Ume): These are the earliest to bloom, appearing as early as late February or early March, depending on the region. Their resilience to cold weather makes them a herald of spring.

• Cherry Blossoms (Sakura): Bloom later, typically from late March to early April, depending on the climate and location. They are often associated with the peak of spring in Japan.

• Peach Flowers (Momo): Fall in between, blooming from mid to late March, overlapping slightly with the end of plum blossom season and the start of cherry blossoms.

Knowing the general timing of their bloom can help you make an educated guess about which flower you’re observing.

2. Close Observation of Petals and Colors

Each flower has distinct petal shapes and colors that can serve as a visual guide.

Plum Blossoms:

• The petals are round and symmetrical, giving a simple and balanced appearance.

• The colors range from white to dark pink and red, offering the widest palette among the three.

• Often appear as solitary flowers or in small clusters along shorter stems.

Cherry Blossoms:

• Petals are slightly uneven with notches or splits at the tips, creating a delicate, fluttering look.

• Colors are typically light pink to white, though some varieties have deeper shades.

• Grow in dense clusters, creating a soft and fluffy aesthetic.

Peach Flowers:

• Petals are longer and more pointed, distinguishing them from the roundness of plum blossoms or the notches of cherry blossoms.

• Colors are vibrant pink or light pink, with a noticeable gradient where the base of the petal is often darker.

• Often grow in pairs, making them appear denser than cherry or plum blossoms.

3. Fragrance

The scent of the blossoms can also provide a clue.

• Plum Blossoms: Have a distinctive sweet and strong fragrance, easily noticeable even from a distance.

• Cherry Blossoms: Typically have a faint or no discernible fragrance, making them less aromatic than plum blossoms.

• Peach Flowers: Generally lack a strong fragrance, similar to cherry blossoms, though some varieties may have a light scent.

If you find yourself drawn to the scent of a flowering tree, it is likely to be a plum blossom.

4. Tree Characteristics

Observing the tree itself can also help in identification.

Bark:

• Plum trees have darker, rougher bark, often with small fissures.

• Cherry trees have smooth bark with horizontal lines (lenticels) and sometimes peeling sections.

• Peach trees have reddish-brown, smooth, and sometimes glossy bark.

Leaves:

• Plum tree leaves are reddish or bronze when young, appearing alongside or shortly after the blossoms.

• Cherry tree leaves are green with a serrated edge and emerge after the flowers.

• Peach tree leaves are elongated and narrow, appearing with the flowers.

5. Overall Setting and Context

The setting in which the trees are found can also provide context clues:

• Plum Blossoms: Frequently cultivated near temples and gardens as symbols of endurance and early spring.

• Cherry Blossoms: Often planted in parks, along riverbanks, and in large clusters for viewing festivals like hanami.

• Peach Flowers: Typically found in orchards or agricultural areas, where they are grown for their fruit as well as their ornamental beauty.

Conclusion

By paying close attention to the season, petal shapes, colors, fragrance, and tree characteristics, you can easily tell the difference between cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and peach flowers.

• Plum blossoms, with their round petals and strong fragrance, signal the earliest arrival of spring.

• Cherry blossoms, with their notched petals and iconic light pink hues, are synonymous with Japan’s springtime celebrations.

• Peach flowers, with their vibrant colors and paired blossoms, combine ornamental beauty with agricultural significance.

Understanding these distinctions not only enhances your appreciation of these beautiful flowers but also deepens your connection to the cultural and natural landscape of Japan.

With this knowledge, your next springtime adventure will be filled with confident and insightful observations.