Prunus 'Kanzan' facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prunus 'Kanzan' |
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Flowering tree at Jardin des Plantes, Paris
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| Genus | Prunus |
| Species | Prunus serrulata |
| Cultivar | 'Kanzan' |
| Origin | Edo Japan |
The Kanzan cherry tree (also known as Prunus 'Kanzan', Kwanzan, or Sekiyama) is a very popular type of flowering cherry tree. It was first grown in Japan during the Edo period. This tree is a special kind of plant called a cultivar, which means it was created by people mixing different types of cherry trees. It is believed to have come from the Oshima cherry.
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All About the Kanzan Cherry Tree
The Kanzan cherry is a tree that loses its leaves in winter. It can grow to be about 1 to 9 meters (around 3 to 30 feet) tall. Its branches can spread out up to 8 meters (about 26 feet) wide.
How Kanzan Trees Grow
When Kanzan trees are young, they often grow in a shape like a vase. As they get older, their branches spread out more. In winter, you can see their red flower buds. These buds open into beautiful deep-pink flowers that are about 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide. Each flower has many petals, making them look very full.
Where Kanzan Trees Like to Live
These trees grow best in places where they get lots of sunshine. They also need soil that drains water well, so their roots don't get too wet. New Kanzan trees are usually grown by taking a small piece from an existing tree and attaching it to another plant. This method is called grafting.
The Unique Pink Color of Kanzan Flowers
The Kanzan cherry tree is famous for its bright pink petals. It's interesting because its parent tree, the Oshima cherry, usually has white flowers. Scientists think the pink color in Kanzan trees came from a special change, or mutation, that happened over time.
How the Pink Color Appears
Oshima cherry trees sometimes have a little pink color in their petals. This is due to a natural color called anthocyanin. The petals can also turn a darker pink if they are exposed to cold temperatures just before they fall off. Even though the pink color is usually hidden in wild Oshima cherries, people carefully selected and bred trees with more pink to create the Kanzan.
Kanzan's Popularity Around the World
The Kanzan cherry is one of the most popular Japanese cherry trees planted in Europe and North America. People love to see its beautiful blossoms. It's often chosen over other types, like the Yoshino cherry, which is also very famous in Japan.
Why Kanzan is a Favorite
Kanzan trees are popular because they can grow well even in colder places. They are also smaller, which makes them a good choice for planting in gardens. Their large, deep pink flowers are another reason why so many people enjoy them.
Kanzan Trees in Famous Places
For example, in the city of Bonn, Germany, there is a street lined with about 300 Kanzan cherry trees. They were planted in the late 1980s and create a stunning display when they bloom. Other types of cherry trees, like 'Pink Perfection' and 'Royal Burgundy', were also created from the Kanzan cherry.
