Japanese Flowering Cherry (Sato-zakura, Oriental Cherry)
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Rosales; Family: Rosaceae; Genus: Prunus; Species: Prunus serrulata · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Prunus serrulata (Confidence: 92%)
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to lanceolate with a long, accuminate (tapering) tip
Size
Approximately 3-5 inches long and 1.5-2 inches wide; matches the typical species range of 2–5 inches.
Margin
Serrate (sharply toothed) with small, gland-tipped bristles
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common (especially in cultivated landscapes)
Color & Pattern
Deep green upper surface, slightly paler green beneath; autumn colors typically transition to bronze, yellow, or crimson. No variegation or significant disease spotting present.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent midrib and secondary veins arching toward the margin
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) and somewhat glossy on the upper surface; slightly papery texture when mature.
Description
This leaf comes from a small to medium-sized deciduous tree famous for its spring blossom display. The tree features horizontal branching and bark with prominent horizontal lenticels. In spring, it produces clusters of white to pink flowers before or with the leaves. The leaves are distinctive for their long, thin 'drip tips' and finely toothed edges.
Key Features
Long acuminate tip (drip tip), sharply serrated margins, and a pair of small glands often located at the base of the blade or top of the petiole.
Habitat
Well-drained soils in full sun; common in temperate urban gardens, parks, and residential landscapes.
Geographic Range
Native to Japan, China, and Korea; widely introduced and naturalized in temperate regions of North America and Europe as an ornamental.
Condition Notes
Good condition; the leaf appears healthy with no visible signs of infestation by Japanese beetles or common fungal pathogens like shot-hole disease.
Interesting Facts
The 'Sakura' or cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan and symbolizes the transience of life. Most ornamental varieties (like 'Kwanzan') do not produce significant fruit.
Medicinal & Uses
Primary use is ornamental landscaping. Some varieties have edible flowers used in traditional Japanese sweets (sakuramochi). The wood is hard and used for carving and high-end furniture in Asia.
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies. While ornamental varieties produce little fruit, wild-type species provide food for birds.
Similar Species
Prunus yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry), which has slightly more pubescent (hairy) leaves, and Prunus avium (Sweet Cherry), which has larger leaves with more rounded teeth.
Foraging Tips
Look for the tree's distinct horizontal 'slashes' (lenticels) on the bark and the characteristic glands at the base of the leaf blade. Best identified in spring when in bloom or late summer by foliage.
Toxicity Warning
Highly Toxic: Like most members of the Prunus genus, the leaves, bark, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide if ingested. Keep away from livestock and pets.