| Author | (Koidzumi) Nakai | |
| Distribution | Weakley et al. (2022) maps it as a waif in the Piedmont and Mountains of NC; apparently based on occurrence(s) in NC in FNA. On 23 March 2023, Bruce Sorrie collected a specimen from a small tree that was part of a small population established on a roadside woodland margin on the outskirts of Carthage, Moore County. The specimen has been deposited at NCU. On 16 March 2024, the plants were in peak bloom (see image).
Native to Japan; cultivars introduced for ornament, most famously on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Sparingly escaped in CA, MA, and NC, according to FNA.. | |
| Abundance | The only current population consists of 2 small trees. | |
| Habitat | Roadside margin of woodland/shrub thicket. | |
| Phenology | Flowering April-May, according to FNA and Weakley et al. The Moore County plants were at peak bloom on 16 March 2024 and past peak on 23 March 2023. Clearly, in NC this species begins blooming in early to mid-March. | |
| Identification | Flowers are white (some cultivars are pink), occur in groups of 3-5 from a bud, each pedicel 15-40 mm (3/4 to 1.5 inches) long. Stamens are relatively short, unlike the showy, long-exsert stamens of many other Prunus. Leaves are ovate, about 5-7 cm long, abruptly taper-tipped. Leaf margins are remarkable for their very slender, acuminate teeth, each with a slender gland at the tip. | |
| Taxonomic Comments | Some authors, such as A. Rehder in 1954, Manual of Cultivated Trees and Shrubs, synonymize P speciosa under P. serrulata Lindley. The latter is commonly called "Japanese Flowering Cherry" and supposedly it and its many forms were created in gardens. A horticultural expert is needed here to determine the correct name of the Moore County plants.
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| Other Common Name(s) | Japanese Flowering Cherry | |
| State Rank | SE | |
| Global Rank | GNR | |
| State Status | | |
| US Status | | |
| USACE-agcp | | |
| USACE-emp | | |
