Spring Alert: Cherry Blossoms Have Officially Started Blooming In NYC

And even earlier than we thought! Along with the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and New York Botanical Garden’s cherry blossom trackers, the beautiful blooms can most certainly be seen in NYC as of March 19 – in Central Park!

According to the Park, “Okame cherry trees are the first cherry trees to blossom in spring, earlier than the more famous Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees.”

These trees can currently be seen on the west side of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, in the northern end of the Park closer to streets in the 90s.

The main cherry blossom blooms of Central Park are the Okame, Yoshino, and Kwanzan trees. As noted, the Okame are usually the first to bloom and are also the type blooming in the New York Botanical Garden right now.

Perhaps the most striking are the Yoshino trees, which are located along the east side of the Reservoir and also on Cherry Hill. These 35 tress were gifted from Japan in 1912 and bloom in very light pink, almost white.

The trees usually bloom for about a week, and then drop their petals which leaves a beautiful natural confetti that is just as picturesque. That said, the season is short, so be sure to catch them while you can!

If you want to try some other spots, early trees are also blooming right now in Queens at Flushing-Meadows Corona Park, and along the East River walkway on Roosevelt Island.