Tamanawa-zakura (Prunus x yedoensis 'Tamanawa-zakura') : Ofuna Flower Center (Kamakura)

Tamanawa-zakura tree was born at this Ofuna Flower Center. This variety is the result of the natural hybridization of Somei-yoshino (Prunus yedoensis) and Oh-kanzakura (Cerasus × kanzakura ‘Ō-kanzakura’) cherry.

It is said to have been artificially bred from the hybridized seeds of these cherry trees. The individuals which flower early were selected and bred as a new cultivated species of cherry trees. The Tamanawa-zakura is named after the old name of the place of this flower center, namely,"Tamanawa Village" of Kamakura.

Its propagation began in 1974 by cuttings and grafting the cherry trees, and this variety was registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan in 1990.

Tamanawa-zakura trees start to bloom in the cold of late winter from mid to late February. Their flowering season lasts about a month and their beauty can be enjoyed until Somei-yoshino cherry trees come into blossom brilliantly.