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In Vancouver, it’s that time of the year when plum blossoms and cherry blossoms are blooming at the same time.  How can you tell the difference between cherry and plum blossoms? Here are a few pointers:

Cherry tree

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Cherry blossoms have a small split at the end of each petals.

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The bark of the cherry tree often have small horizontal lines on it.

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More than one cherry will come out of a cherry bud.

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The leaves of cherry trees are green and unfolding.

 

Plum blossoms

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Plum blossoms don’t have any split at the end of the petals.

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There is only one plum blossom coming out of the bud.

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Plum blossoms have small purple leaves that are unrolling.

(Although some varieties of white plum blossoms will have small green leaves).

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Plum blossoms have a very fragrant smell (they smell “flowery”).

 
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The bark on a plum tree is darker and does not have distinctive horizontal line on it.

Think you got it? Take the test!

Cherry or plum blossoms?

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Answer: plum.

(No split at the end of the petals).

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Answer: cherry.

Split at the end of the petals.

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Answer: plum.

Red leaves and no split at the end of the petals.

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Answer: cherry.

Horizontal lines on the bark.

Want to learn more? Become a cherry scout.

You might also like: How to tell the difference between cherry trees and plum trees (infographic)  and Plum trees versus cherry trees: how to tell the difference and identify them