Both cherry blossoms and cherry trees include the word ‘cherry’. However, this does not make them the same thing. Even so, they are both a variety of the cherry tree species.
Cherry blossom trees have clusters of delicate pink petals. They bloom for around two weeks at most. The focus is generally on flowering.
A cherry tree on the other hand more often than not produces fruit. However, there are many different types of cherry trees.
If this sounds interesting to you, then read on. We discuss the differences between cherry blossoms and cherry trees for hanami (for a historical guide to Hanami, read here).
What Are Cherry Blossom Trees?
Cherry blossom trees are hugely popular. Many people travel long distances to see such a marvelous sight. This is when the pink petals bloom.
They are closely linked with Japanese culture too. For many centuries, the cherry blossom has been associated with the cycle of life. This is often celebrated every year during hanami.
Hanami is a traditional Japanese event. It takes place once the blossom has bloomed. People sit under the canopy of pink flowers, or they take part in cherry blossom viewing.
Also known as sakura, the pink blossoms are what attracts people.
The cherry blossom trees have been cultivated over time. Because of this the fruit has been sacrificed. This is to allow the trees to bloom magnificently. This is another reason why cherry blossom trees are called ‘ornamental trees’.
Even so, some ornamental trees do produce fruit. This is usually small sized fruit that is not for human consumption.
They are there to be viewed. They do not have ‘proper’ fruit to grow and give people. The flowers are very fragrant however. The petals are also delicate and attractive.
It is no surprise that both cherry blossom trees and cherry trees are confused. The names interchange: sakura trees and Japanese cherry trees. Both of these relate to cherry blossom trees.
What Are Cherry Trees?
Cherry trees produce edible fruit. They also look very pretty too. They have a similar aesthetic appearance as cherry blossom trees.
The difference is that cherry trees do not bloom with large flowers. It will be less striking to a degree. They can still be appreciated when it comes to how the trees look.
If you buy a cherry tree, look to see if it says ornamental or not. The latter means that it is a cherry tree that also produces fruit.
The former will be a tree that looks beautiful as it blooms. However, it won’t produce any edible fruit.
Just to note, not all cherry trees produce the same kind of fruit. Some cherries are not edible, and some are best for cooking.
Why Are Cherry Blossom Trees Celebrated During Hanami?
Hanami is an event steeped in Japanese tradition. It is noted that hanami may have started all the way back in the 8th century. However, back then it was plum blossom.
Cherry blossom trees were believed to have a spirit. This was said about most tree varieties. But the cherry blossom was exceptionally beautiful when it bloomed. Most of all though, it signified the start of the rice season.
Spring is finally here when the cherry blossoms bloom, afterall. The Imperial Court celebrated hanami by throwing huge feasts. The local people spent hours drinking sake underneath sakura trees.
Cherry blossoms have also been a long standing metaphor for the cycle of life too. From the samaria to war veterans. The short cycle of sakura is meant to relate to the shortness of life – that death is inevitable.
Hanami today is celebrated by gathering a group of friends and family. It is then all about eating and drinking under the cherry blossom trees.
Hanami means to view cherry blossoms (see also ‘10 Reasons To Get Excited About Hanami‘). It is about appreciating the beauty of the tree but also the beauty of life. It is linked with Buddha’s way of thinking: mortality surrounds us.
We must have gratitude and appreciate life. Death is often sooner than we think.
While sad, it has an air of positivity about it too. It is about living in the moment – making the most of what you have now.
Final Thoughts
At first, you might not be able to tell the difference between cherry blossoms and cherry trees. Sometimes they look similar. However, they have their own differences too.
They are from the same tree species. But both of these trees have different paths. One often produces edible fruit. The other is a tree to be viewed only.
A cherry tree is just as beautiful. Despite this, its focus is mainly on producing fruit. In order for this, its blooms are reduced.
A cherry blossom tree on the other hand is known as ornamental. They have often been cultivated. This helps them to bloom brilliantly. In order for this, their fruit is often sacrificed.
While a cherry blossom tree can produce fruit, it is inedible. Cherry blossoms are also associated with Japanese culture. Many people take part in cherry blossom viewing. This is known as hanami.
They are considered to be highly attractive. The blooms are also a metaphor for life and death. This has been the case for thousands of years.
So, now you know the difference between cherry blossoms and cherry trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do People Like To View Cherry Blossom Trees?
People like to view cherry blossom trees because they look beautiful. Often the colors are breathtaking. Also, they usually only bloom for around two weeks.
This gives people a short window to enjoy the view. The delicate petals are usually light pink in color.
What Is A Japanese Cherry Tree?
A Japanese cherry tree is another name for a cherry blossom tree. The reason it is referred to as a cherry tree is because it is a species of the cherry tree.
Some cherry trees produce edible fruit. However, these trees do not bloom the same way. A Japanese cherry tree may also be called a sakura tree.
Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom.
What Do People Do For Hanami?
Hanami is a Japanese event in the spring. As soon as the cherry blossoms bloom, hanami begins. It is referred to in English as a ‘flower viewing’ party.
People picnic with friends and family underneath the trees. Some people take walks to view the light pink sakura.
It is an event best shared with others. However, some people like to spend time alone with the blooming trees.
Why Are Cherry Blossoms Popular In Japan?
Cherry blossoms are deep rooted in Japanese culture. They have a lot of meaning. They refer to the cycle of life. As well as nobleness and beauty.
They come and go within a matter of days. This is just like life too. It makes people stop and think. They reflect on their own mortality.
The blooming of cherry blossoms also signifies the beginning of spring (see also ‘What Do Cherry Blossoms Smell Like?‘). In agriculture, this means the planting of rice.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
