Japanese Cherry (Sato-zakura, Oriental Cherry)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: P. serrulata · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Prunus serrulata
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to ovate-lanceolate with a long, acuminate (tail-like) tip
Size
Approximately 3-5 inches long and 1.5-2.5 inches wide, consistent with the typical range for mature leaves of this species.
Margin
Serrulate (finely serrated) with small, bristle-like teeth (aristate)
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem
Rarity
Common (very frequently used in landscaping and parks)
Color & Pattern
Deep green on the upper surface; the reverse is typically a slightly paler green. Features small reddish glands on the petiole or base of the leaf. Turns bronze or yellow in autumn.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent midrib and secondary veins arching toward the leaf tip.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) and slightly glossy on the upper surface; somewhat leathery (coriaceous) when mature.
Description
A medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 25-40 feet. It is famous for its stunning spring display of pink or white flowers. The bark is smooth and reddish-brown with prominent horizontal lenticels. The leaves emerge bronze-tinted before turning deep green.
Key Features
Long pointed leaf tip (acuminate), finely serrated margins with bristle-tips, and the characteristic horizontal lenticels (lines) on the bark of its branches.
Habitat
Prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soils in full sun. Commonly found in temperate climates as a prized ornamental tree.
Geographic Range
Native to Japan, Korea, and China; widely naturalized and cultivated across North America and Europe.
Condition Notes
Good. The leaf shows healthy green coloration. There are minor irregular edges at the base which may indicate mechanical damage or insect browsing, but no signs of severe blight or rust.
Interesting Facts
The famous Cherry Blossom trees in Washington D.C. are predominantly cultivars of Prunus serrulata and Prunus x yedoensis, gifted by Japan in 1912.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily ornamental. The wood is occasionally used for high-end furniture or carvings. In Japan, salted cherry leaves and blossoms of certain varieties are used in traditional sweets like Sakura-mochi.
Ecological Role
Provides early-season nectar for bees and pollinators. While it produces small black drupes, they are sparse in ornamental cultivars but serve as food for birds.
Similar Species
Prunus x yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry) - Yoshino leaves are generally more pubescent (hairy) and lack the long bristle-tips on the serrations.
Foraging Tips
Look for the horizontal gashes (lenticels) on the bark and unique small glands (extrafloral nectaries) at the very base of the leaf where it meets the stem.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Like many members of the Prunus genus, the seeds, stems, and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides which can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested.