Rose family, Rosaceae
Origin: Japan, China
Habitat in the original area: mountain forests
Habitus: A low tree (3–8 metres tall) or shrub whose branches grow obliquely upwards. The bark is dark brown and shiny.
Leaf: The leaves are elliptical and elongated into a long tip. Their edge is doubly finely serrate. They are shiny and brownish green, on the reverse side near the veins there are soft trichomes.
Bloom, fruit: In April or May, when the leaves are just starting to develop, the entire tree is covered with shaggy, white to pinkish blossoms which are arranged in groups of 3–5. They do not always ripen into dark red to black drupes, sized about 0.5 centimetres.
Interesting fact: Its attractiveness has led to the creation of many cultivars. Since it also blooms on May 1st, it is often approached on this day by couples-in-love who prefer this tree to a usual cherry tree.
