Kwanzan cherry named America's Favorite Cherry Tree

As of midnight on arbor Day, 6,645 people from all 50 states and more than 25 countries had cast their vote in this first-ever online poll. The Kwanzan Cherry Tree came in first with 3,029 votes, or 46 percent. The Autumn Flowering Cherry Tree was a distant second at 1,915 votes, or 29 percent. The Yoshino Cherry Tree was third and received 1,701 votes, about one quarter of total respondents.

The Kwanzan cherry tree is native to China, Japan and Korea. Introduced to the United States in 1903, it became famous due to its glorious floral displays during the annual Festival in Washington, DC. Primarily growing in East Potomac Park, the Kwanzan cherry trees come into bloom two weeks later than the Yoshino cherry trees.

Some were surprised to see Yoshino trailing, given that it is far and away the most prominent of the three along Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin. But part of what made this poll exciting and different is that all respondents had the chance to participate from home – and make up their own mind. And the poll offered those who did make it to DC this year a chance to keep the spirit of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Centennial Celebration alive after their visit.