The pink and white petals of Jackson Park’s cherry blossom trees made a timely appearance this year — a return to “normal” after more muted spring seasons in recent years.
Experts say the blooms’ timing and length remain at the mercy of changing weather patterns.
“This year’s emergence of flowering cherry trees is more typical than what we’ve seen in recent years,” said Spencer Campbell, plant clinic manager at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
“We usually expect them in the latter half of April and into May, which is right about now.”
The city’s oldest “mother tree” at Jackson Park, one of more than 190 cherry trees throughout the park, reached bloom Stage 5-6 by Tuesday, according to the Chicago Park District.
Stage 6 marks full bloom, when nearly all blossoms are open, while Stage 5 marks the point at which most buds have opened and some petals are visible.
Many others are nearing full bloom, while some of the white flowering trees are in the earlier bud stages.
The staggered blooming is typical of the species planted throughout the park, the park district said.
Visitors can find the mother tree south of the Sky Landing sculpture near the Japanese Garden.
It’s the biggest tree on Jackson Park’s east side, according to a spokesperson for the park.
The last two seasons have seen more erratic weather, including warm spells abruptly followed by freezing temperatures and irregular precipitation, which disrupted bloom cycles, Campbell said.
This spring, while temperatures have fluctuated, the trees have had enough stability to allow for a fuller bloom.
Ideal weather for cherry blossoms includes steady spring temperatures that are not too hot or suddenly cold, with minimal wind and rainy conditions.
The National Weather Service forecasts a shift from mild weather on Wednesday to less predictable conditions throughout the rest of the week, with a chance for multiple thunderstorms.
Campbell said once the flowers open, they typically stick around for just one to two weeks, and that window can shrink depending on environmental stressors like rain, wind, or cold snaps.
“If the cherries don’t have a full blossom, it’s because the trees are doing what’s best for them,” Campbell said.
“That’s a natural protective response.”
He added that the cherry trees are not alone in their sensitivity.
“All of our spring-flowering trees — magnolias, redbuds, crab apples — are impacted by the weather,” he said.
The park district also noted that the trees’ bloom stages may vary depending on their species and proximity to the water.
Four types of cherry trees — including snow goose, snow fountains, yoshino, and accolade — were planted with the help of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago to commemorate cultural ties between the city and Japan.
Jacob Burns, curator of plant collections at the Chicago Botanic Garden, said this year’s cherry tree bloom is consistent with recent patterns, though still earlier than historical norms.
At the Chicago Botanic Garden, visitors can see cherry tree species, including the accolade, yoshino and autumnalis, located in multiple areas throughout the garden, Burns said.
“Traditionally, the cherries here at the Botanic Garden bloomed in late April.
Now they’re blooming in mid-April, but I would say the trees this year are basically on track with most recent years,” Burns said.
Accolade trees are currently in full bloom at the Botanic Garden and have reached “about 60% flower coverage,” Burns said.
Meanwhile, the yoshino and autumnalis species are “still in bud stage,” meaning the flowers are not quite open yet, but he anticipates the blossoms will open up by this weekend.
Burns noted that both cold and warmer temperature swings can damage the blossoms.
Cold snaps below 28 degrees can pose problems, as can heat spells, which can cause the flowers to open and fade quickly.
Looking at long-term trends, Burns said cherry trees across the Northern Hemisphere appear to be blooming earlier.
“We’re seeing signs that they are waking up earlier because the winters are shorter, and that puts them in a vulnerable spot if we get late freezes and nasty weather,” Burns said.
For those hoping to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, the park district recommends visiting the grove near 6401 S. Stony Island Ave. in Jackson Park weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid crowds.
A self-guided audio tour, accessible by QR code at four stations throughout the park, is also available to provide insights into the significance of the trees.
The park district plans to plant 20 more cherry blossom trees this spring and fall as part of a multiyear effort.
As more trees are planted, and the displays become more robust, experts say even if you’ve seen the cherry blossoms bloom before, it’s worth seeing them again year after year.
“Every year is different,” Campbell said.
“That’s what makes it special.”
Other blooms ‘just as beautiful’ to admire this spring
While the cherry blossoms draw large crowds each spring, Campbell encouraged Chicagoans not to overlook other vibrant seasonal blooms.
“The magnolias are just beautiful right now,” he said.
“The redbuds are just starting to emerge with this pink, cotton candy-colored flower.
I get the appeal of flowering cherry trees, but there are many other gorgeous flowering trees that are better-performing and have similar displays.”
Burns also noted native trees that area residents can enjoy for a bit longer.
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