See Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C. From Anywhere With BloomCam Live Webcam
Multiple cameras are currently broadcasting blossoming cherry trees in Washington, D.C. after they entered peak bloom this week.
Known as BloomCam, the cameras are streaming to give constant views of the Japanese flowering cherry trees, or Yoshino trees, that are planted along the Tidal Basin area of the National Mall.
A new camera for 2021, called the BudCam, has been set up to provide close-up views of the bloom stages of the cherished cherry trees.
Peak bloom, the day when 70 percent of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, took place on March 28. It typically lasts for several days, so there is still a chance to get a glimpse of the annual blooming event from the comfort of your home.
The trees reached peak bloom earlier than expected this year after temperatures well above average sped up the final stages of their annual cycle.
Officials said the four days from peduncle elongation—when stalks containing the buds extend so flowers become visible—to peak had been the fastest the trees have moved through their last two stages in the last 30 years, but was similar to 2015.
Catherine Townsend, president of the Trust for the National Mall, said: "With limited access to the Tidal Basin this year due to the ongoing pandemic, BloomCam allows us to once again bring these cherished natural treasures on the National Mall to people everywhere so they can enjoy this spring rite of passage wherever they may be."
The average lifespan of a cherry tree is between 40-50 years, depending on both the climate and how much care is received. Officials say about 90 cherry trees have to be replaced each year to maintain their existence at the National Mall park.
The National Mall and Memorial Parks explained the tradition behind the cherry trees in a Facebook post on March 27, one day before peak bloom was recorded.
The tradition dates back to March 27, 1912, when first lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first two Japanese flowering cherry trees along the Tidal Basin—followed by 3,018 additional trees.
"The trees were a gift from the city of Tokyo to the city of Washington in a 'gesture of friendship and good will' as stated on a plaque next to the site where the first trees once stood. The spot is next to the Japanese lantern, between the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Kutz Bridge," The National Mall and Memorial Parks post said.
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Only 12 of the original 3,018 cherry trees planted in 1912 remain alive today—impacted by a number of factors including age, broken branches and tree climbers.
But officials said there are now roughly 3,800 of the delicate Japanese flowering cherry trees throughout National Mall—most planted using clippings from the originals.
Diana Mayhew, president of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, said in a statement this week: "Washington D.C.'s cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring and symbolize hope, renewal and friendship, and that is especially important right now."
