Did Cherry Trees come from Japan?

While many people strongly associate cherry trees, especially flowering cherry trees, with Japan, they did not all originate there.

Here's a breakdown of the origins of cherry trees:

• Wild Cherry Origins: The wild ancestors of many cultivated cherry varieties are believed to have originated in the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea (part of present-day Turkey and surrounding areas). From there, they spread to other parts of Europe and Asia.

• Flowering Cherries and Japan: Japan has played a significant role in the development and cultivation of ornamental flowering cherry trees (Sakura). Through centuries of selection and breeding, Japan has produced many unique and beautiful varieties prized for their blossoms. According to Professor Masataka Somego of Tokyo University of Agriculture, cherry trees differentiated in the Japanese archipelago, leading to species unique to Japan.

• Other Regions: Cherry trees, both fruiting and ornamental, are native to various parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including:

  • Europe: Many wild cherry species are native to Europe.

  • Asia: Besides Japan, China and Korea also have native cherry species.

  • North America: Several wild cherry species are native to North America, such as the Black Cherry.

In summary: While Japan is incredibly famous for its stunning varieties of flowering cherry trees and has significantly contributed to their cultivation, the origin of cherry trees as a genus lies in a broader area of Eurasia.