Cherry trees blossoming in Jackson Park. (Chicago Park District)
The cherry tree blossoms in Jackson Park are quickly becoming a beloved springtime tradition in Chicago and they’re about to hit their peak.
Planted between 2013 and 2016, the grove of 160 trees rims the park’s Columbia Basin area, which fans out from the south steps of the Museum of Science and Industry. As the trees have reached maturity, their stunning mix of blossoms — ranging in color from white to deep pink — has become a must-see show.
#POTD for 04-25 "Cherry Blossom" https://t.co/4IENyg4pMJ #photography #photo #CHICherryBlossoms pic.twitter.com/WQrtqRUv06
— Sebastian Musial (@sebphotog) April 25, 2022
At this stage, buds on most of the trees have opened and some of the trees are in full bloom, which typically lasts three to eight days, the Park District said.
New this year: Four listening stations, where visitors can scan a QR code to access a brief audio vignette about the history of the tree grove, the variety of flowers and the Japanese springtime traditions associated with the blossoms.
A celebration in honor of the blossoms is scheduled for Sunday, May 1, from noon to 3 p.m., in Jackson Park, rescheduled from last weekend due to inclement weather. The event is being held in partnership with the Japanese Arts Foundation, the Japanese Culture Center, the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago and the Jackson Park Advisory Council. Activities will include drum and dance performances by Tsukasa Taiko and Shubukai, as well as origami, yukata dressing and haiku booths.
An additional 118 cherry trees will be planted in 2022, the Park District announced.
It’s a beautiful day today here at @msichicago with the lagoon and cherry blossoms! pic.twitter.com/nuBPX6zQ4j
— Voula Saridakis, Ph.D. (@VoulaSaridakis) April 23, 2022
Let’s take an #EarthDay moment to cherish the ephemeral cherry blossoms.
Flowering trees are an essential food source for birds, insects, and other pollinators. Early spring flowers provide food before resources are abundant!
: Je Te Laisserai Des Mots-Patrick Wilson pic.twitter.com/zUO3FJOoUS
— MSI Chicago (@msichicago) April 22, 2022
Went back to Jackson Park to check out the #ChiCherryBlossoms and they are in full bloom! pic.twitter.com/3m2HNsHs9E
— Borja Sotomayor (@borjasotomayor) April 23, 2022
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
