The weeping cherry tree, scientifically classified as Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’, is an ornamental tree prized for its dramatic and distinctive silhouette. This deciduous tree is cultivated primarily for its aesthetic appeal, offering a multi-season display. It is a popular choice for those seeking a graceful, medium-sized tree with a recognizable visual identity.
The Defining Feature: Overall Structure and Shape
The most striking feature of the weeping cherry is its characteristic pendulous growth habit, which is the source of its common name. The branches grow upward for a short distance before arching sharply downward, creating a cascading canopy. This fountain-like shape results in a mature profile that is often wider than it is tall, forming a dome or umbrella-like structure.
These trees are typically grafted onto a standard cherry rootstock, meaning the weeping habit begins at a specific height on the trunk, often between four and six feet from the ground. This grafting technique ensures the desired draping effect. A mature specimen generally reaches a height of 15 to 30 feet, with a similar or sometimes greater spread of 15 to 25 feet across.
The slender, flexible branches can sometimes extend all the way to the ground, creating a secluded, tent-like space beneath the dense foliage. This graceful, flowing form provides visual interest even in winter when the bare, drooping branches are exposed. The overall structure is generally smaller than that of upright cherry varieties, making it suitable as a specimen tree or focal point in smaller gardens.
Seasonal Appearance: Flowers and Foliage
The seasonal transformation of the weeping cherry begins with an abundant floral display in early spring. Before the leaves emerge, the bare branches are smothered in dense clusters of delicate, one-inch-diameter blossoms. This dense covering creates a stunning “veil” of color, giving the appearance of a snowy or cloud-like form.
Flower colors range from pure white to various shades of pale pink, with some cultivars featuring a deeper rosy-pink hue. The flowers typically appear in clusters of two to five blooms, lasting for about one week. This early bloom period provides a welcome splash of color, signaling the start of spring.
Once the flowering concludes, the foliage begins to emerge, often starting as a bronze or reddish-green color. The leaves are simple, oval to lance-shaped, and feature distinct serrated margins. Throughout the summer, the leaves mature into a dark, glossy green, providing a lush backdrop to the tree’s cascading form. In autumn, the foliage turns brilliant shades of yellow, gold, orange, and sometimes red before dropping for the winter.
Trunk and Bark Characteristics
The trunk and bark provide year-round identification features of the weeping cherry tree. The bark is generally smooth, ranging from a reddish-brown to a darker grayish-brown, often exhibiting a slight copper coloration on younger wood. As the tree ages, the bark can become darker, rougher, and more irregular in texture.
A distinct characteristic of cherry trees is the presence of horizontal lenticels on the bark. These small, elongated lines are pores that facilitate gas exchange between the internal tissues and the outside air. The lenticels are often noticeable against the smooth bark, providing a reliable identification cue.
Following the spring bloom, the tree may produce small, round fruits that ripen to a dark red or black color. These tiny cherries are generally less than a half-inch in diameter and are considered inconspicuous. The fruit is often sparse and is not a significant ornamental feature.