Apple Blossom vs Cherry Blossom: How to Tell These Beautiful Spring Bloomers Apart

Trees that have been dormant all winter start to bloom again in the spring. The apple blossom tree and the cherry blossom tree are two of the most loved spring flowers. These two species are very different in important ways, even though they both have beautiful flowers in early spring.

When Do They Bloom?

• Cherry blossom trees typically bloom earlier in spring than apple blossom trees Cherry blossoms generally bloom from late March to early May In warmer climates, they may start as early as mid-February. In colder areas, cherry blossom season may not begin until April.

• From mid-April to early June is when apple blossoms bloom. Apple blossoms can show up in late March in warmer places, but not until May in colder places.

• In most temperate regions, expect to see cherry blossoms first, followed by apple blossoms a few weeks later as temperatures continue rising. For cherry blossom viewing, target late March to mid-April. For apple blossoms, late April to mid-May is ideal.

Flower Color

• Cherry blossom hues range from light pink to vibrant reddish-pink. When a cherry tree is in full bloom, its soft pink petals look beautiful.

• When apple blossoms first open, they are almost always white or pale pink. Later, they turn white. There may be a hint of pink in some apple varieties, but not the deep pink of cherries.

• Deep pink blooms likely indicate cherries. For white and pale pink blossoms, it’s probably an apple tree.

Flower Shape and Structure

• Cherry blossoms generally have just five petals per flower, sometimes ruffled or layered for a frilly effect. Flowers are arranged in dangling clusters, giving a weeping appearance.

• Apple blossoms often have five smooth petals surrounding a central cluster of many small stamens. The dense stamens create a round, pom-pom shape.

• So apple blossoms look fuller and more compact compared to the more open and airy cherry blossoms.

Fragrance

• Cherry blossoms emit a subtle, fresh floral scent. You may need to sniff the blooms directly to detect it.

• Apple blossoms are highly fragrant, filling the air with sweet citrus, honey, and rose notes. Their perfume is noticeable from afar.

• Apple blossoms tend to be more noticeably aromatic. Their sweet scent can be detected from yards away!

Native Habitats

• Cherry trees thrive in temperate zones with cool winters and warm, humid summers. They prefer sandy, acidic, well-draining soil. In the U.S., cherries grow best along the coasts.

• Apple trees adapt to many soil and moisture conditions but prefer slightly acidic loam. They require cold temperatures to flower properly. Apples are commercially grown across most of the continental U.S.

• So apple trees have a much wider native range than cherries. Flowering trees in the wild are more likely to be cherries in coastal areas and apples farther inland.

Orchard Planting Patterns

• Cultivated cherry trees are spaced widely in orchards, up to 30 feet apart, to prevent disease spread and allow large equipment access.

• Apple trees are typically planted just 8-14 feet apart in dense, orderly rows to maximize productivity. Closer spacing means more trees per orchard.

• Widely spaced rows indicate a cherry orchard, while dense, crowded plantings suggest apples.

After Bloom: Fruit Development

• Fertilized cherry blossoms become cherries, ripening June through August depending on variety.

• Pollinated apple blossoms transform into apples in late summer into fall. Different apple varieties ripen July through November.

• Revisiting in summer and fall reveals the truth – cherry trees bear cherries while apple trees yield apples!

Cultural Significance

• In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize nature’s impermanence and renewal. The hanami tradition of viewing cherries dates back centuries.

• Apple blossoms represent promise, hope, and new beginnings in many cultures. In mythology, they signified eternal youth.

• Cherry trees reflect the fleeting nature of life while apple blossoms signify the future yet to unfold.

While sharing some traits, cherry and apple blossoms each contribute unique beauty to spring. Apples flower later for a more drawn-out bloom season, while ephemeral cherry blossoms provide a quicker burst of magic.

Use bloom time, color, structure, fragrance, habitat, fruit, and cultural meaning to distinguish between these two beloved flowering trees. With a discerning eye, you’ll be able to tell apple from cherry blossoms in no time!