What is the history behind the Utah State Capitol cherry blossoms?

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Each spring, cherry blossom trees draw crowds to the Utah State Capitol with a beautiful display — but have you ever wondered how they got there?

The 433 Yoshino cherry trees along the capitol’s memorial pathway bloom every year around March or April — and they have an interesting history. Sandi Archibald, the visitor services manager at the Capitol Preservation Board, said these actually aren’t the first cherry blossom trees at the capitol.

The first ones, she said, were planted on Arbor Day in 1931, and then, in 1945, Japan gifted Kwanzan cherry trees to Utah as a symbol of friendship following World War II.

Archibald said that as the Kwanzan cherry trees reached the end of their lifespan and a tornado in 1999 damaged many of them, they were replaced by Yoshino cherry trees.

Spring is here, so when will the Utah Capitol cherry blossoms bloom?

These Yoshino cherry trees are the ones you see today. They were planted during the capitol restoration project in 2004-2008 and cultivated in Portland, Oregon, for this purpose. Archibald said every now and then, as a tree reaches the end of its lifespan, it is replaced with another Yoshino cherry tree.

Archibald explained the Yoshino cherry trees were grafted to grow in a way that the branches come out the top and arch over the walkway, giving visitors the colorful view you’ll find at this time of year.

“It’s really special to have the Yoshino cherry trees blossoming. They are a symbol of the impermanence of life,” she said

Archibald added they don’t blossom for long — about ten days to two weeks every year, weather depending, so you won’t want to miss your chance to see them.

“Right now is the time to come and enjoy them, have a picnic with your family, take photos with your family, or for graduation or weddings. This is a wonderful time for those photos,” she said.

You can stay updated on the cherry blossom trees on the Utah State Capitol’s Instagram Page.

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