Foreword 



Prunus comprises 400 species growing naturally in the 

 Northern Hemisphere. It is the genus in which all of our stone fruits 

 are found— almonds, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, and 

 plums. The obvious benefit from all these trees is the edible fruit 

 that turns up on our tables in pies, preserves, beverages, or in a fruit 

 bowl. The assumption of fruiting also means that all Prunus species 

 are flowering trees. The most spectacular flowering tree is the 

 CHERRY. No other tree has received the worldwide acclaim that 

 has been heaped on its delicate white-to-pink flowers. 



Cherries are found growing in Europe, North America, and 

 Asia. The Japanese flowering cherries have a long history of 

 collection, propagation, and culture on their isolated islands. The 

 Japanese language — spoken or visually presented — further 

 compounds the communication problems with English-speaking 

 gardeners. There is, thus, much confusion as to what is the correct 

 name to use in light of current taxonomic views. 



This publication on "Sato-zakura" (village cherries) is one of 

 many endeavors by Roland M. Jefferson to document and organize 

 the world literature and to assemble living collections of flowering 

 cherry germplasm at the U.S. National Arboretum. Jefferson's efforts 

 with the very capable assistance of Kay Kazue Wain, coauthor of 

 this monograph, add to a legacy, worthy of the centuries, that 

 Japanese cherries have made each spring so beautiful. 



HENRY M. CATHEY, DIRECTOR 

 U.S. National Arboretum 



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