WASHINGTON DC, United States — A close-up view of Washington DC's famous cherry blossoms in full bloom, showcasing the delicate pink and white petals of the Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis). This detailed image highlights the intricate structure of the flowers, with visible stamens and pistils, capturing the ephemeral beauty that draws millions of visitors to the capital each spring during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Photograph by David Coleman. This macro photograph provides an intimate look at the cherry blossoms that have become synonymous with springtime in Washington DC. The image focuses on a cluster of Yoshino cherry blossoms, the most prevalent variety around the Tidal Basin and National Mall. Each flower typically has five petals, though some may display more due to cultivation. The petals range from pale pink to white, often with a slightly deeper pink hue near the stem, fading to almost pure white at the edges. At the center of each blossom, one can observe the flower's reproductive structures: the yellowish stamens surrounding the central pistil. This close-up view reveals the delicate texture of the petals and the subtle variations in color that are not as apparent from a distance. Yoshino cherries, scientifically known as Prunus x yedoensis, are a hybrid species first cultivated in Japan. These trees were part of the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to Washington DC in 1912. The blossoms typically appear for only a brief period each year, usually peaking in late March or early April, depending on weather conditions. This fleeting nature of the bloom contributes to its special appeal and cultural significance, embodying the Japanese concept of mono no aware, or the pathos of impermanence. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this annual bloom, drawing attention not only to the beauty of the flowers but also to the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: Tidal Basin, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | CherryBlossomWatch / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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