Q: “I’m not sure if it’s because the weather has been so warm, or if this is normal timing, but what is this pink-flowering tree? It’s one of the first to bloom I’ve noticed.”
A: Great observation! Okame and Autumnalis Cherry trees are among the first to bloom in the new year, usually mid to late February. The clusters of small, pink flowers are stunning in the gloom of late winter. To me, Autumnalis petals are more numerous and rounded than the Okame. Another show stopper that beginning to show bright yellow flowers are Forsythia bushes. The numerous yellow flowers come on before the leaves, so they really show in a late-winter landscape.
For help identifying other trees whose blossoms you’ll be seeing in the coming months, visit my Green and Growing Facebook page. There you’ll find descriptive photos in the ‘Highway Horticulture’ photo album!