Plum, Peach, and Cherry Blossoms: How to Differentiate Them

Spring Flowers in Japan: Cherry, Plum, and Peach Blossoms

If you had to pick a flower to represent Japan, it would probably be the sakura, or cherry blossoms. Sakura cherry trees bloom everywhere in the spring, with their pink flowers giving Japan’s streets a unique charm.

Plum trees, called ume, and peach trees, called momo, also produce pink flowers in the springtime. Because these trees are all part of the Rosaceae family of plants, even Japanese people have a hard time telling them apart.

Read on to learn how to spot the differences between plum, peach, and cherry blossoms in Japan.

Distinctve Features of Plum, Peach, and Cherry Blossoms

1. Sakura Trees and Cherry Blossoms
2. Plum Trees and Blossoms
3. Peach Trees and Blossoms

1. Sakura Trees and Cherry Blossoms

When someone mentions Japan, cherry blossoms are one of the first things to spring to mind. They are intrinsic to Japan's national image. In the spring, famous sakura viewing spots across the country are all bustling with activity.

Blooming Time for Cherry Blossoms
From late March to April in eastern and western Japan
Late April in northern Japan, including Hokkaido

Cherry Blossom Characteristics
- Split-tipped petals that form heart shapes
- Long stems and many flowers blooming on one branch, giving off an ostentatious air

Famous Cherry Blossom Locations
Hokkaido: Goryokaku Tower
Tokyo: Sumida Park
Kyoto: Daigoji Temple
Hiroshima: Senkoji Park
Kumamoto: Kumamoto Castle

Some of the sakura varieties can have more petals, lending them even more flamboyance. You will see pale pink flowers the most often.

2. Plum Blossoms and Trees

Photo by Pixta

Plum trees bloom earlier than sakura, in February, and are thus associated with the end of winter. Plum blossom viewing events are held at Japanese gardens and famous locations such as Fukuoka's Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine or Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

Because they start blooming while it is still cold, plum flowers are a pleasant herald of the coming spring.

Blooming Time for Plum Blossoms
From January to around March

Plum Blossom Characteristics
- Round-tipped petals
- No flower stems; the flowers bloom close to the branch

Famous Plum Blossom Locations
Ibaraki: Kairakuen Garden
Tokyo: Imperial Palace East Gardens
Kyoto: Kitano Temmangu Shrine
Fukuoka: Daizaifu Temmangu Shrine

One bud blooms on each spot on a plum tree branch, so they give off a subdued impression compared to sakura or peach trees. They can have white or pale pink flowers, and you may also see deep pink flowers.

3. Peach Blossoms and Trees

Peach blossoms are known as a decoration during the Japanese spring tradition of Girl’s Day (Hina Matsuri), celebrated on March 3.

Historically, this was when peach flowers began to bloom, so the occasion is also known as Momo-no-Sekku, or “peach blossom festival.”

Peach flowers were originally said to work as charms to ward off evil spirits, so they became used as ornamentation during Girl’s Day, a festival to wish for the health and development of children.

Blooming Time for Peach Blossoms
Early to mid-April

Peach Blossom Characteristics
- Petals that taper to sharp points
- The flowers bloom along the very short stems

Two or more flowers bloom from the buds on each side of a peach tree branch, giving them a flashier look than plum trees. There are many vivid pink peach tree flowers.

Famous Peach Blossom Locations
Ibaraki: Koga Park
Yamanashi: Togenkyo, Southern Alps
Nagano: Chikumagawa Beach

These three flowers lend a colorful flair to the Japanese springtime. If you can tell them apart, you'll be able to enjoy the spring scenery even more.