The 91探花 welcomes the community and visitors to enjoy the iconic Quad cherry blossoms this spring. The cherry blossoms usually draw large crowds on campus. While masks are not required, some individuals may opt to wear a face covering. We encourage the community to be respectful of one another鈥檚 choices.
4/1/22 update: Traffic congestion on campus is significant during cherry blossoms season and parking is limited. Please take light rail to the University District Station or park in the or .
The 29 cherry trees in the Quad usually reach peak bloom the third week of March, said 91探花arborist , and this year is on track to meet that timing. Warmer temperatures and mild weather all factor into when the cherry trees start to blossom and when they reach peak bloom.
Virtual viewing options are also available, including 91探花Video鈥檚 live webcam overlooking the Quad, a聽virtual tour聽with photos from campus and tweets from . Hear Shores explain how a cherry tree functions in this interactive 鈥渁natomy of a cherry tree鈥� illustration:
Once the trees reach peak bloom 鈥� when at least 70% of the blossoms have emerged 鈥� cooler temperatures, drier weather and lighter winds will keep the blossoms on the trees longer. The university asks that visitors not climb the trees or shake their branches, as this can cause damage.
More information
- Check out the 鈥� March 25 through April 10, 2022
- More information on via Light Rail and other public transportation
Dozens of varieties of blossoming cherry and plum trees can be found across the Seattle area, with blooms visible from early February until, for some species, May. Petal colors range from white to light rose to dark pink, and cherry trees 鈥� unlike plums 鈥� have distinct horizontal-line patterns on their bark called . These help the trees 鈥渆xhale鈥� or release carbon dioxide and water.
Plum trees, which often are mistaken for cherry trees, bloom earlier than most cherries and don鈥檛 have lenticels on their bark.
The Seattle Department of Transportation maintains this of trees across the city. To see cherry trees in your neighborhood, click on 鈥淓xplore street trees鈥� in the top navigation bar, then click on 鈥渢rees by type鈥� and look for trees with the 鈥淧runus鈥� genus (cherry and plum trees).
For more information on the 91探花campus cherry blossoms, contact Michelle Ma at mcma@uw.edu.