Blossom facts for kids
A blossom is a beautiful flower that grows on many fruit trees. You can see them on trees like oranges, cherries, plums, apples, and almonds. They usually bloom in the spring and make the trees look amazing!
Sometimes, people also call the flowers of orange trees "orange blossoms." Many peach blossoms (and nectarine blossoms), most cherry blossoms, and some almond blossoms are often pink. Plum blossoms, apple blossoms, orange blossoms, some cherry blossoms, and most almond blossoms are white.
Blossoms are super important because they provide pollen for pollinators like bees. Bees help the trees make fruit by moving pollen from one flower to another. This process is called cross-pollination.
When the wind blows, blossom trees often drop their flower petals. This can create a beautiful shower of petals that covers the ground. This is one way to tell a "blossom" tree from other flowering trees.
Blossoms and Ancient Uses
Long ago, people used parts of blossom trees for different purposes. For example, the ancient Phoenicians used almond blossoms with honey as a special drink. They also added them to food, believing it would give them strength. Crushed petals were sometimes used on skin spots. They were also mixed with banana oil for dry skin and sunburn.
In ancient times, the crab apple was used to help with many small problems. People thought it could help with things like minor skin issues or coughs. Many dishes made with apples and apple blossoms come from the Middle Ages. In the spring, monks and doctors would collect the blossoms. They would keep them in vinegar to use for minor skin irritations or bee stings.
Orange trees first came from China and Southeast Asia. They slowly moved west along old trade routes.
In 17th century Italy, peach blossoms were sometimes used on minor skin scrapes or rashes.
In ancient Greek medicine, plum blossoms were used for mouth care. They were thought to help with minor gum issues or to make teeth feel firmer. Plum blossoms mixed with sage leaves and flowers were also used as a mouthwash. This was done by mixing them into plum wine or brandy. People hoped it would help with sore throats and bad breath.
Gallery of Blossoms
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Apple blossoms in full bloom.
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Pear blossoms in full bloom.
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Plum blossoms in full bloom.
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Peach blossoms in full bloom.
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Crabapple blossoms.
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Lemon blossoms.
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Strawberry blossoms.
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Blackberry blossoms.
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More Beautiful Blossoms
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Cherry blossoms, Paris, full bloom
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Blackthorn in blossom
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Apricot Blossom in Behbahan, Iran
