It's cherry blossom season. Where to see the pink flowers in Arizona
As cherry blossom season begins, it's the perfect time to admire the delicate pink and white blooms at select locations across the U.S.
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are iconic spring flowers known for their delicate pink-to-white petals. They typically bloom in early spring, usually lasting just a few weeks. The cherry blossom bloom is just getting underway now in Washington, D.C.
In Arizona, cherry blossoms are a rare sight due to the state's dry desert climate. But it is possible to see cherry blossoms in Arizona. You just have to know where and when to look.
Here's what to know about cherry blossoms in Arizona.
Both types of trees typically produce fruits and flowers. The cherry blossom tree is cultivated more for its extravagant blooms while cherry trees are cultivated for their fruit, according to Chukar Cherries, a grower in Prosser, Washington.
Cherry blossom trees can grow in certain parts of Arizona, but their success depends on the specific variety and location. They don't typically do well in the heat of the Phoenix area.
In cooler areas like Flagstaff and the higher elevations of Arizona, some cold-hardy varieties, such as the Yoshino cherry or Kwanzan cherry, may thrive.
In the low desert regions, including Phoenix and Tucson, the intense heat and lack of winter chill make it difficult for most cherry blossom trees to flourish.
Seeing cherry blossoms in Arizona is tricky because of the state's warm climate.
The Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix might sound like a place to see cherry blossoms, but it's not. Japanese garden design emphasizes harmony with the natural landscape, so the Japanese Friendship Garden features climate-adapted plants like ornamental pear, flowering almond, peach trees and purple leaf plum.
But you can find some cherry blossom trees in higher elevations where temperatures are cooler.
Cherry blossom trees are planted along some streets in Flagstaff.
'The cherry blossoms bloom in late spring and are found in various locations around town,' said Sabrina Beard, marketing specialist for Discover Flagstaff. "On Humphreys Street and at the crossroads of Milton Road and Butler Avenue by (Northern Arizona University), those are some good spots."
Aside from those specimens, there's not a critical mass of cherry trees in Arizona.
'I don't believe we have any cherry trees on any of our state park properties,' said Michelle Thompson, deputy assistant director for Arizona State Parks and Trails.
Cherry blossoms are at their peak in March and April in most places. However, the exact timing depends on the climate and variety of the tree.
In warmer regions, such as the southern U.S., early bloomers typically flower between late February and March. In mild to temperate climates, including Washington, D.C., and Japan reach full bloom from March to mid-April.
In colder climates, such as the northern U.S., Canada and high-elevation areas like Flagstaff, cherry blossoms appear later, usually between late April and early May.
A full bloom cherry blossom typically lasts about one to two weeks, depending on the weather conditions. Since Arizona has a drier climate, cherry blossoms in higher elevations like Flagstaff may last a bit longer if conditions are stable.
The difference between first bloom and full bloom in cherry blossoms is based on how many flowers have opened. The first bloom is when the first few blossoms begin to open on the tree. It marks the start of the blooming season.
The full bloom, also known as the peak bloom, happens when 70% or more of the blossoms on the tree are open, creating that iconic fluffy pink or white canopy.
Full bloom typically occurs four to 10 days after the first bloom, depending on the weather. Cooler temperatures can slow the process, extending the bloom period, while warm or windy weather can shorten it.
It depends on the variety of the cherry blossom tree, but most start as pink buds and gradually turn white or lighter pink as they bloom.
Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.
Support local journalism and subscribe to azcentral.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cherry blossom season 2025: Where to see flowers in AZ
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
Japan's chief meteorologist calls rumors of a July earthquake a hoax and urges people not to worry
TOKYO — The head of Japan's meteorological agency on Friday dismissed widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan this summer as unscientific and a 'hoax,' urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. 'At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude,' Japan Meteorological Agency Director General Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. 'Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation.' Nomura was referring to rumors in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was 'unfortunate' that many people are affected by the disinformation, though he sympathized with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumor originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book 'The future I saw,' which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific 'ring of fire,' is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organized an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. 'In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere,' Nomura said. 'So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake.' Yamaguchi writes for the Associated Press.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Japan's chief meteorologist calls rumors of a July earthquake a hoax and urges people not to worry
TOKYO (AP) — The head of Japan's meteorological agency on Friday dismissed widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan this summer as unscientific and a 'hoax,' urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. 'At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude,' Japan Meteorological Agency Director General Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. 'Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation.' Nomura was referring to rumors in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was 'unfortunate' that many people are affected by the disinformation, though he sympathized with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumor originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book 'The future I saw,' which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific 'ring of fire,' is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organized an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. 'In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere,' Nomura said. 'So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Japan's chief meteorologist calls rumors of a July earthquake a hoax and urges people not to worry
TOKYO (AP) — The head of Japan's meteorological agency on Friday dismissed widespread rumors of a major earthquake in Japan this summer as unscientific and a 'hoax," urging people not to worry because even the most advanced science still cannot predict any quake or tsunami. 'At the moment, it is still impossible to predict an earthquake with specific timing, location or its magnitude,' Japan Meteorological Agency Director General Ryoichi Nomura told reporters. 'Any such prediction is a hoax, and there is absolutely no need to worry about such disinformation." Nomura was referring to rumors in Hong Kong and other Asian cities of a major earthquake or a tsunami in July in Japan have led to flight cancellations and reductions in service, affecting tourism. He said it was 'unfortunate' that many people are affected by the disinformation, though he sympathized with the sense of unease that the people tend to develop toward something invisible. The rumor originates from a 2022 Japanese comic book 'The future I saw,' which features a dream foreseeing a tsunami and is also available in Chinese. The chatter began spreading earlier this year through social media, mainly in Hong Kong. The author previously gained attention for allegedly predicting the 2011 quake and tsunami in northern Japan, which killed more than 18,000 people. Japan, which sits on the Pacific 'ring of fire,' is one of the world's most quake-prone countries. Last summer, a panel of seismologists noted a slight increase in the probability of a megaquake on Japan's Pacific coasts. The government organized an awareness-raising week but only triggered panic buying, beach closures and other overreactions and complaints. While it is important to inform people about the science, Nomura said, it is also necessary for everyone in this quake-prone country to take early precautions. 'In Japan, an earthquake can occur anytime, anywhere,' Nomura said. 'So I ask everyone to take this opportunity to ensure your preparedness for a major quake.'
