[Edited by wcutler: this conversation started in the Takasago thread; in this thread, I've removed the first two paragraphs that were about Takasago.] ... I was calling Korean hill cherry P. verucunda for years, until I actually looked at it. Now, I prefer to use P. speciosa var. pubescens, as the tree seems to differ so little from Japanese hill cherry (P. speciosa) except in the degree of pubescence and a few other minor characters. But again, I'm willing to entertain another point of view, as long as it's coherent and based on solid evidence.
P. verecunda or not - single whites, mid-season Speaking of P. verecunda the two at the Loyal Heights Neighborhood Center were packed with flowers this month, making them look much more like other species than usual - flowers also seemed less cross-shaped than usual, more like others in outline and presentation. P. jamasakura planted at the same facility is well along in leaf, almost fully developed but still coppery.
Re: Takasago – double pale pinks, green leaves, vase shaped, mid-season So you're saying I'm okay to call Korean hill P. speciosa var. pubescens this year, but I should revert to P. verucunda in a normal year? I'm getting punchy here. For what it's worth, this is the tree at VanDusen Garden that was labeled 'Okame' that I think is Korean hill. The tree is quite umbrella-shaped, although overgrown by an out-of-control shrubbery and between a horribly disfigured 'Jo-nioi' and a beautiful Japanese hill cherry (P. speciosa var. spontanea). Comments? Sorry about posting it here. Clearly, these images are not 'Takasago' (nor, indeed, 'Okame'), so should be relegated to a thread of their own.
Re: Takasago – double pale pinks, green leaves, vase shaped, mid-season Not another cultivar? In these shots it looks like a sato cherry, with large broad petals and bunches of flowers with spaces between them. Teething, serrations, surfaces and dimensions all correct for a wild cherry like Korean hill cherry?
Re: Takasago – double pale pinks, green leaves, vase shaped, mid-season Why wouldn't this be Oshima (Prunus speciosa)? Dingren and Martin posted photos of what I think is the same tree.
