Washington’s cherry blossoms reach peak bloom

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The cherry blossoms in the nation’s capital burst into “peak bloom” on Thursday, ringing in the beginning of Spring season in D.C.

The National Park Service announced that the famous flowers reached the much anticipated peak point, the day when 70 percent of the blossoms are open, just after 8 a.m. on X.

The city has over 3,000 cherry trees that attract tourists from across the world every spring. They are located around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, in East Potomac Park (Hains Point) and on the Washington Monument grounds.

The planting of the trees originated as a gift of friendship from Japan to the United States in 1912.

The blooming period can last as long as 14 days but rain, frost and other weather conditions can shorten the lifespan of the delicate blossoms, according to organizers with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The festival has spans four weeks and draws in over 1.5 million people. It lasts through April 12.

The blossoms can be viewed on a live camera on the festival’s website.