Note the features of Oshima-zakura: long green pedicels, white buds, red bud scales. These features will distinguish Oshima from other white, five-petal Sakura, like 'Somei-yoshino', 'Umineko', 'Snow Goose' and Fudan-zakura.
This 'Takasago' tree must be ahead of its pack, as it is in full bloom at March 30, 2026. This particular tree has many branches covered with moss; hard to tell if that is a factor in its premature blooming. Some blossoms have already fallen, and they show the extra sepals of this cultivar.
The 'Afterglow' trees (in company with 'Akebono') along Prince Edward, E. 61-62, are past peak bloom at March 30, 2026. However, now is visible the progression in the bloom colour change, from dark pink buds to pink flowers, to lighter pink flowers, and then, to white old age. Finally, on one tree you can see 'Afterglow's pubescent pedicels; reddish, bulbous calyx; and yellow-green, serrated-margined leaves unfolding.
The exceptional 'Tai-haku' dominating the NW corner of Main and E. 47th, is having an exceptional bloom at April 4, 2026. Here are the photos displaying the 'Tai-ku' features: the largest of the Sakura blossoms; the pale pink buds that open to pure white flowers; the coppery leaves emerging with the flowers; the corymb formation of the inflorescence showing pedicels (flower stems) and peduncles (the flower stalk connection to the bud scale base). And all on show in full bloom at the beginning of April! The only other 'Tai-haku' that can outstand this outstanding 'Tai-haku' is in Burnaby. Wendy had better check with her friend about that one's bloom status.
Hah! I just sent her a note when I saw the tree in your posting, before finishing reading the text! [Edited]This year's photos are at https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/burnaby.36481/page-24#post-449495. The two 'Tai-haku' trees at Seaforth Peace Park at Burrard and Cornwall in Kitsilano are also impressive.
The two 'Ichiyo' trees on the east side of Fraser, south corner of E. 54th are past full bloom at April 15, 2026. Both trees sprouting Prunus avium shoots from the rootstock. Flower shots show the aging white of the pink blooms and the staminodes, but not the "one leaf" of the phylloid styles.
