Cherry Blossom

Also known as Sakura

cherry blossoms with blue sky in background

A cherry blossom is a flower of many trees of genus Prunus or Prunus subg. Cerasus. They are also known as Japanese cherry and sakura ( or ; さくら or サクラ). They generally refer to ornamental cherry trees, not to be confused with edible cherry trees. It is considered the national flower of Japan.

In the United States, cherry blossom viewing began to spread after Japan presented cherry blossoms as a token of friendship in 1912.

Learn more at Wikipedia