Sakura trees, widely celebrated for their breathtaking, ephemeral blossoms, are an iconic symbol of spring, particularly in Japan. Millions gather to witness their delicate pink and white flowers. Amidst these floral displays, a common question often arises: do these celebrated cherry blossom trees also bear fruit? Understanding the nature of sakura trees and their relationship with fruit clarifies this widespread curiosity.
The Fruit of Ornamental Cherry Trees
Most ornamental sakura trees do produce fruit, though it is typically quite different from the sweet cherries found in grocery stores. These fruits are generally small, often pea-sized, and can range in color from dark red to black when ripe. Botanically, they are classified as drupes or stone fruits, similar to larger cherries, plums, or peaches.
Despite being fruits, the cherries from ornamental varieties are usually not cultivated or consumed by humans. Their taste is often very sour, and they contain a high seed-to-flesh ratio, making them unpalatable. The primary purpose of these trees is their aesthetic value, not fruit production.
Differentiating Cherry Tree Varieties
The term “sakura” primarily refers to ornamental cherry varieties, which have undergone centuries of selective breeding. This breeding process has prioritized abundant and visually stunning flowers, often at the expense of developing large, edible fruit. Many ornamental cultivars, such as ‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Yoshino’ varieties, are known for their spectacular blossoms rather than their fruit.
In contrast, fruiting cherry trees, like Prunus avium (sweet cherries) or Prunus cerasus (sour cherries), are specifically cultivated for their larger, flavorful, and edible fruits. While these fruit-bearing trees also produce blossoms, their flowers are typically less showy and abundant compared to their ornamental counterparts. The fundamental difference lies in their breeding objectives: aesthetics versus food production.
What Happens to Ornamental Cherry Fruit?
The small fruits produced by ornamental sakura trees typically follow a natural course once they mature. Since they are not grown for human harvesting, these fruits often fall from the tree after ripening. Many varieties produce fruits that are too small and tart to be appealing to people.
However, these small drupes serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife. The fruits may also simply shrivel on the branches or decompose on the ground, contributing organic matter back to the soil. This natural cycle means one rarely observes people collecting fruit from sakura trees, reinforcing their role as ornamental plants.