Since the Yoshinos and other varieties of cherry trees around the Tidal Basin area are taking such a battering from the cold, wintry weather we're currently seeing, several people have been asking how the Kwanzan cherry blossoms are faring. They're a different variety of cherry tree and they usually bloom roughly two to three weeks after the more famous Yoshinos.
The good news is that because they're much earlier in their development they're at a much less vulnerable stage right now. So they look to be riding out the cold temperatures without any issues.
The National Park Service horticulturalists predict that the Kwanzans will reach peak bloom this year sometime around April 10-13. If that pans out, that's going to be a slightly early bloom for them too, but not abnormally so.
Below are some photos of how they're looking this morning. They're still tightly wrapped, with the first hints of green buds starting to poke through on some of them.
I have more details on the Kwanzan cherry blossoms here, including a map with some of the larger clusters of trees marked.
Want to Help Support DC's Cherry Trees?
If you'd like to help support the care and upkeep of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin, the Trust for The National Mall has launched an Endow a Cherry Tree Campaign. Donations go to the official Cherry Tree Endowment, which will give the National Park Service additional resources to fund the care, maintenance, and possible replacement of the cherry trees. You can find more information here.
The Trust is dedicated to marshaling private support for maintaining and improving the history National Mall area. I'm not affiliated with the Trust--just an admirer of their efforts.