Flowering cherries (Prunus): The flowering cherries are characterized by the following: alternate leaves, glands on the petiole, require full sun, extraordinary flowers. Big selling group of small flowering trees. Do not tolerate shade or poor drainage (wet feet).

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'

COMMON NAME: Japanese flowering cherry

FLOWERS: Double pink in early April after Prunus x yedoensis. Very showy.

LEAVES: Alternate and has dark glands on the petiole and fine serrations that are longer than Prunus x yedoensis. Is boat shaped and has an attenuated tip (long taper). Up to 4" long.

GROWTH HABIT: Upright and vase shaped up to 20' tall.

OTHER: The second most popular flowering cherry. Hardy from Boston to Atlanta. Is often short lived because of canker, virus and borers. Very big selling small tree.