What will February warmth do to cherry blossoms?

WASHINGTON — Unseasonably warm temperatures are causing some flowering trees to begin blooming well before their springtime schedule.

“I think most horticulturists are saying, ‘Oh, no!’ Whereas hopefully, we can take some time to say, ‘Oh, wow!’” said Margaret Pooler, director of research at the U.S. National Arboretum.

The “oh wow” factor is easy enough to understand — people typically winter-weary by February are instead enjoying springtime beauty.

The concern is over potential consequences of an accelerated growth pattern this early in the season.
Freezing temperatures, for example, can wipe out a year’s worth of flowers on ornamental cherry trees, which display their short-term glory for only 7 to 10 days a year anyway.

Worse still is if nearly forming leaves take a hit.

“That could be trouble for the resources of the plant, because they’re going to have to expend more, and that’s going to make them weak for the rest of the season and maybe more susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses,” Pooler said.

This Okame cherry tree is blooming at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Pictured on Friday, a National Park Service Spokesman said the single Okame tree on the National Mall isn't quite that far along, although it's close. (Courtesy Margaret Pooler)
This Okame cherry tree is blooming at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center on Friday. A National Park Service spokesman said the single Okame tree on the National Mall isn’t quite that far along, although it’s close. (Courtesy Margaret Pooler)
The early-blooming cherry tree variety ‘First Lady’ was developed at the National Arboretum. This picture was taken at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland on Friday. (Courtesy Margaret Pooler)
The early blooming cherry tree variety called “First Lady” was developed at the National Arboretum. This picture was taken at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, on Friday. (Courtesy Margaret Pooler)
(Courtesy Margaret Pooler)
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This Okame cherry tree is blooming at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Pictured on Friday, a National Park Service Spokesman said the single Okame tree on the National Mall isn't quite that far along, although it's close. (Courtesy Margaret Pooler)
The early-blooming cherry tree variety ‘First Lady’ was developed at the National Arboretum. This picture was taken at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland on Friday. (Courtesy Margaret Pooler)

Higher and lower temperature swings could help extend the length of the blooming season, however, by magnifying natural tree cycles of flowering in the early, middle or later part of the season.

“Instead of being a big one-time shot in your face with everything blooming at once,” Pooler said.

Tight buds beginning to form now should survive any cold snap, Pooler expected, as long as temperatures don’t get into the 20s.

As for D.C.’s iconic cherry trees along the Tidal Basin, the National Park Service will make its prediction for peak bloom on March 1.

Over the past 13 years, peak bloom has occurred between March 20 and April 10.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

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