Introducing Prunus serrulata 'Spontanea', a majestic Japanese Flowering Cherry originating from Japan. It also goes by the common name hill cherry and Yamazakura. This unique species is one of 10 or 11 wild Prunus genus that naturally populates Japan. Standing proud at a notable 20-40 ft, with its broad-leaved, umbrella-shaped canopy, this spectacle of nature can take from 5 to 10 years to bloom, lending to its unique allure.
The bark ranges from dark brown to purplish-brown with oblong grains, older trees possessing rough cracks. The annual branches are light brown or grayish with large swollen skin. The flowering period of this species brings forth an enchanting display from late March to mid-April. Its flowers are sizeable, measuring 25-35 mm in diameter, adorning its branches with delicate white to pale pink petals.
Each leaf of the Prunus serrulata 'Spontanea' is oblong to ovate with sharp serrations lining the margins, growing 5 to 12 cm long. Upon maturation, the leaves develop a whitish underside, while showcasing two glandular points at the upper part of the petiole. They bloom in red hues during fall, then bear spherical purple-black fruits from May to June.
Despite taking time to grow, it carries unique characteristics such as variable hues of young leaves from reddish-purple and brown to yellow-green and green. With diverse flowering periods and tree shapes exist among such variation, which contributes to its wild charm.