Looking for trees that look like cherry blossom? There are actually quite a few trees that resemble the Japanese cherry blossom tree. I've made a complete list of all the shrubs and trees that look like cherry blossom. Check it out!
I won't be so surprised if all you understand by Japan is cherry blossom.
Yes! Cherry blossom is such an iconic flower of our country that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they are kinda national obsession.
So, we Japanese can hardly make a mistake identifying cherry blossoms (known as Sakura in Japanese), but what about the foreigners?
Well, though I am pretty sure that you have seen cherry blossom at least in the picture, I would like to give a short brief about it at first.
Trees That Look Like Cherry Blossom
1. Magnolias
25 to 30 feet tall, charming trees of magnolias are native to forest areas in Japan, which is admired for its late winter to early spring blossoms.
Magnolias that bloom in early spring appear along with the cherry blossoms, and as most flowers are white or pink, people sometimes mistake them for cherry blossoms.
However, when you will take a closer look, you can easily understand the differences.
Regarding the magnolia tree vs cherry blossom, I will say the flowers of magnolia are much bigger than cherry blossoms. It is about four to five inches in diameter, whereas cherry blossoms are only around one to two inches.
Besides, the fleshy petals of magnolia are quite distinct from the delicate petal of cherry blossoms.
One more distinguishing clue that I can mention is that cherry bark has horizontal cracks, unlike magnolia bark, which has vertical splits.
Prunus that contains cherries is a large genus, and many other well-known stone fruits, such as peaches, apricots, almonds, and plums are also included in this genus.
You can easily mistake them for cherry blossoms.
2. Peach
The flowers in peach trees typically start blooming from late March to mid-April in Japan.
The blossoms can be pink, white, or red in color. Even different colored flowers might sometimes appear on the same tree.
To differentiate peach blossoms from cherry blossoms, you can look at the shape of the petals and observe how the flowers are attached to the branches.
The petals of peach blossoms are pointy, while the tips of cherry blossom petals have a notch in the middle.
Besides this, peach blossoms have shorter stems with two flowers sprouting from the same branch, but you can see multiple flowers in one place in cherry trees.
3. Plum
Japanese plum trees bloom earliest among the cherry, peach, and plum trees. You can even see these flowers from as early as January to around March, depending on the place you are in.
Unlike the cherry blossoms, they have rounded petals and don't have any flower stems. They bloom directly off the branch, which means you will see one flower in one place.
The smell is also different for the two. Plum blossoms have a sweet, gentle scent similar to jasmine.
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4. Crabapples
Crabapple trees bloom along with the later cherry species, and their blossoms are also very similar to cherry blossoms.
However, one easy way to separate them from each other is to look at the bark. Crabapples have pale bark with vertical fissures.
And if you have a botanist's eye, you can find out another point for crabapple vs cherry tree.
There are differences in their flowers' female parts. Cherry blossoms have a single style, while crabapple flowers have five.
Well, many people think that crabapples and apples are the same, but what separates crabapples from ordinary apples is the size of their fruit.
Crabapples are 2 inches or less in diameter, while apples usually are more than 2 inches.
5. Apple
While talking about apple blossom vs cherry blossom, you might say that cherries produce cherries and apples produce apples.
However, of course, it is, but that does not help much when you look at their flowers in spring!
Their flowers look almost similar, but the apple has larger and more robust flowers, whereas the cherry's ones are smaller and delicate.
To find out the real difference, you need to pick a flower and look at the female parts in the flower center.
Cherry blossoms have one female part, the carpel, with one thick stem-like style. On the other hand, apples have multiple styles.
If you want to have an even more precise idea, you can cut the flower in half and explore the position of the base of the pistil.
If it is located under the base of the flower (inferior), it is apple, and if it is right at the base of the flower (superior), they are cherries.
6. Almond
The almond is a deciduous tree that grows up to 20 to 30 feet. Almond blossoms are available in early spring, which is also the blossom period of the cherry tree.
And that's why you can mistake these white flowering trees for cherry blossoms. Flowers may sometimes turn into pale pink with a faded magenta center.
Almond blossoms are generally used as an ornamental trees for their aesthetic appeal or grown for honey production.
Anyway, for almond blossom vs cherry blossom, I will say that you have to pay attention to how the flowers are attached to the branches.
The flowers of almonds are stalkless. They are not raised on a stalk like cherry blossoms. Instead, they are attached directly by the base.
Apart from this, almond blossoms have a robust sweet aroma that will remind you of jasmine and lily.
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7. Apricot
As I have said earlier, apricot blossoms are botanically a part of the Prunus genus. These ornamental deciduous trees brighten up any winter landscape when very few other trees are in bloom.
Apricot blossoms may also be available in early spring, along with cherry blossoms. In fact, it is a white tree that looks like cherry blossoms.
Its blossoms have a similar appearance and habit to some smaller flowering cherries.
Apricot blossoms are usually a bit smaller than cherry blossoms. They consist of five broad, flat, and oval-shaped curved petals. The petals primarily remain white, but later they are sometimes dyed with light pink to red tones.
Apricot blossom spreads a soft aroma with a mildly sweet, floral, and fruity flavor.
Now, I will talk about some such trees that have different blossoms from a cherry tree, but if you look at those trees in full bloom from a distance, they all will look exactly like cherry blossoms.
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8. Eastern Redbud
Eastern redbuds or Cercis canadensis are most commonly used for ornamental purposes, which can grow up to 30 feet. They are native to eastern North America.
This tree looks somewhat exceptional as it has multiple trunks with horizontally layered branches.
In early spring, before green foliage appears, the tree gets covered with masses of rosy-pink blooms, creating an eye-catching panorama.
Like the cherry blossoms, the eastern redbud is tolerable to a variety of soils. Though they can develop very well under full sun or partial shade, they can not tolerate full shade.
Besides, you should water the plants weekly after planting them on well-drained soil.
This tree doesn't end its duty just after increasing the aesthetics. It has enough medicinal value as well. You can use their roots or inner barks to treat whooping coughs.
9. Pink Trumpet Tree
The pink trumpet tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree with an open branching pattern and rounded canopy shape. It is generally 30 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide.
This tree is native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina, and provides one of the most stunning flowering displays in late winter to early spring.
You will find no leaves at this period. Instead, the tree is flooded with large round clusters of bright pink to magenta tubular flowers.
Like cherry blossoms, rosy trumpets grow well in well-drained sandy, loamy, or clayey soil.
However, talking about the dissimilarity, it cannot grow in the shade like cherry blossom. It must need the sun to grow and develop.
Besides creating breathtaking vistas, these pink trumpets work well against anemia, constipation, fevers, and pain
10. Empress Tree
The empress tree or Paulownia tomentosa is mainly grown for its ornamental purposes. This fast-growing deciduous tree can grow up to 30 to 40 feet.
This tree is native to China. They are famous for their aromatic spring blooms of foxglove-like flowers and heart-shaped foliage.
Its funnel-shaped flowers are pinkish-lavender in color, with dark purple spots and creamy yellow stripes in the interior.
Like cherry blossom trees, this tree can also adapt to most soil types.
Though empress tree can withstand cold temperature, it needs at least 6 hours of full sun and moderate water to grow and develop.
11. Silk Floss Tree
Silk Floss Tree or Ceiba speciosa is also an ornamental tree that is considered one of the most beautiful trees in the world.
It is native to South America, and this tree can rise up to 50 feet, almost similar to cherry blossoms. .
When it is in full bloom, numerous large, flimsy pink flowers with white centers blanket the whole tree, creating an ethereal beauty.
Silk floss tree is adaptable to most well-drained soils like cherry blossoms.
It prefers more sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. They are drought-tolerant, and that's why only occasional watering is needed for them to survive.
The cotton fibers from this tree are used to stuff the insides of pillows and cold-weather clothing.
12. Smoke Bush
Smoke bush is a deciduous hardy shrub that originates from Central Africa and Southern Europe.
This shrub is surprisingly durable, able to grow up to 15 feet tall and 13 feet wide, making it suitable for medium-sized lawns.
The shrub grows upright with an elegant profile, and in spring it boasts of moon-red leaves. But during summer, it is the large, feathery pink flowers that really make this plant stand out.
The pink outlook of the Smoke Bush gives off atmospheric vibes that are much similar to the bubbly blossoms of a Japanese cherry tree.
Just gazing at it can make one feel as though they are in the Far East and daydreaming of a romantic getaway.
Planting and caring for a Smoke Bush is relatively simple, thus making it a great choice for inexperienced gardeners.
To do that, the soil should be maintained moist and prepared with well-rotted manure, before planting the shrub. The shrub may need pruning once a year for a more dense look, but this will depend on the size and health of the shrub itself.
The Smoke Bush is an ornamental shrub that is low-maintenance and can liven up a garden or indoor space with its cherry blossom-looking flowers and red-tinged foliage.
Its versatility makes it a suitable option for any garden, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts and novices alike.
Not only will they be able to enjoy its beauty and feel the euphoria that comes with its vibes, but they’ll also feel joy knowing it was easy to maintain.
13. Hydrangea
Hydrangea: A Garden Staple for Decades
When most people think of trees that look like cherry blossom trees, the first thought that comes to mind is the hydrangea—the versatile flower native to both Asia and the Americas.
Not only do these trees provide beautiful blooms that come in a variety of colors and styles, they are also a resilient addition to any garden.
The hydrangea is a sturdy species, able to brave an array of climates and soil types to give your garden an added touch of color.
They can easily reach heights of up to fifteen feet, their thick succulent leaves providing a soft backdrop to the round clusters of tiny flowers.
And while the naturally occurring colors of hydrangea blooms generally feature soft tones of pink and blue, they can also be found in brighter varieties should you be looking to switch things up; think deep red, pale green, pink, purple, and vibrant white.
But, is there a downside to these majestic trees? Thankfully, not really.
Provided the area where you’ve planted your new hydrangeas receives the appropriate amounts of sunlight and water and is the ideal pH, you’ll be comfortable knowing that these babies are strong enough to handle different temperatures and soil types.
That being said, hydrangeas are, in fact, seasonal and can be harmed depending on your area’s annual temperature and climate.
But, as long as you’re on your toes and check the condition of your hydrangea often, you’ll be sure to have the perfect garden staple for years to come.
So, why choose a hydrangea tree? Well, aside from the obvious reasons (sturdy, pretty, and colorful), they have the added bonus of being relatively easy to care for.
Additionally, they can add a touch of drama with their abundant blooms and provide an extra layer of protection, whether from the sun’s heat or from the winter’s chill.
If you’re looking for a tree that looks like a cherry blossom tree but is able to survive different climates, then you should consider the hydrangea.
With its blooms available in bright blues, deep reds, pale greens, pink, purple, and white, you can easily switch things up each season to keep your garden looking as luscious as ever.
14. Golden Bells
For a bright, cheerful burst of color in your yard come Spring, the Golden Bells Tree is the perfect choice!
Originating in Asia, this flowering shrub can grow between two and ten feet tall and its distinctive long branches boast beautiful bright yellow blooms at the start of spring.
These blooms have a few pink specks that resemble Japanese cherry blossoms, inspiring its name: Golden Bells Tree or 'Cherry Blossom'.
Although this species looks like the Japanese cherry blossom, the Golden Bells Tree is more hardy, with a few distinct advantages. This tree is adaptable to many soil types and can tolerate direct sun and partial shade.
It is particularly resilient to arid conditions, making it a great choice for those living in drier climates. In addition, it is fairly drought resistant and requires minimal care to flourish.
The Golden Bells Tree is beautiful in bloom, boasting clusters of soft yellow and pink blossoms. The bright and cheerful flowers always attract plenty of attention, creating a stunning display each Spring.
As the blossoms open, they unfurl their petals in a striking star pattern, resulting in a dramatic show of color.
During the summer, you can enjoy its lush foliage that usually stays green until fall, allowing you to create a pleasant shaded area in your garden.
Whether you want to add a bit of colour to your garden or a hint of nostalgia with a treasured reminder of the Japanese cherry blossom, the Golden Bells Tree is a great choice.
Its cheerful yellow and pink blooms make it easy to see why this flowering shrub is a popular choice. With its beautiful shape, adaptability and remarkable resilience, the Golden Bells Tree is a stunning addition to any landscape.
15. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a medium-sized flowering plant native to China and Japan that usually grows up to fifteen feet tall.
This attractive shrub is relatively hardy and can even handle light frost, making it a great choice for those looking to add a touch of bright pink and yellow blooms to their garden.
The broad oval leaves of Witch Hazel are dark green in the summer and change to a wonderful golden yellow in the fall.
In winter, the Witch Hazel begins its blooming cycle, producing aromatic pink and yellow flowers that are often mistaken for cherry blossoms. This blooming cycle typically lasts until the onset of spring.
The beauty of Witch Hazel lies in its versatility. It can be used as a stand-alone shrub, but it can also be used in a mixed border.
For those living in zone 5 or warmer, the shrub can even be used as a small-scale espalier against a wall.
A concern with Witch Hazel is that its roots may conflict with those of established plants. Witch Hazel should therefore be planted away from existing trees or borders for optimum growth.
The good news is that growth is usually slow and steady, with yearly pruning or shaping accomplished without too much effort.
As with all shrubs, Witch Hazel requires good drainage, plenty of sunlight, and regular soil maintenance.
To boost blooming, a high-potassium fertilizer should be applied as soon as possible after flowering ends in the spring.
The beauty of the Witch Hazel is that it provides a great deal of color and interest throughout the winter.
It's a relatively hardy shrub, blooming regardless of how cold it is outside, while providing bright yellow and pink flowers that add beauty and interest even during the dreariest months of the year.
If you're looking for a fast-growing and lovely shrub that brings beauty and interest to any garden all year round, consider the Witch Hazel.
Well, these are the plants that are cherry blossoms look alike. If you are already impressed by their stunning beauty, you can assume them as an alternative to cherry blossoms.
Does Cherry Blossom Look Like Almond Tree? - Almond tree Vs Cherry blossom
Almond and cherry blossoms both bloom early spring, have similar shapes, but differ in color and purpose. Almond blossoms are white and fragrant, producing nuts, while cherry blossoms are pink or white, less fragrant, and don't have edible fruit.
While similar in shape and blooming early spring, almond and cherry blossoms wear distinct personalities:
Almond: Think elegant white, boasting a sweet, honey-like fragrance. Their purpose? Not just beauty, but producing delicious nuts.
Cherry: Imagine soft pink (though white exists too!), with a subtle, gentle scent. They prioritize show-stopping blooms, leaving the fruit production to others.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this write-up on the tree that looks like cherry blossoms. I explained all the flowers similar to cherry blossoms and also let you know how to distinguish them from each other.
