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University of Washington cherry blossoms in peak bloom

Peak viewing of the cherry trees in the UW Quad will be the last weekend of March.

Cherry trees at the University of Washington reached peak bloom Friday. This weekend will be “prime viewing” to see the blossoms in the Quad, UW said.

The iconic trees are in peak bloom when at least 70% of the blossoms have emerged. UW said the blossoms could stay on the trees for two or three weeks if temperatures stay cool and there is little wind or rain.

February's cold snap delayed the peak bloom. Blossoming hadn't started until sometime after March 12. 

“Temperature and amount of sunlight are the big factors that determine bloom timing,” Shores previously said. 

There are 29 large cherry trees on the UW campus and flocks of tourists descend on the Quad each year to see them. They were originally planted as a gift from the Mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, in 1912 as a sign of friendship.

RELATED: Top spots to view cherry blossoms in Puget Sound region

Although there are many cherry trees on campus, the light pink blooms in the Quad, called “Somei-yoshino,” are usually the first ones to reveal themselves. Clones of the Quad cherry trees planted near the law school should bloom simultaneously, according to UW. The more vibrant pink blossoms near Rainier Vista are a different species and tend to bloom later.

The plum trees near the iconic Suzzallo Library usually bloom before the cherry trees in the Quad and have whiteish blooms.

You can monitor bloom status by watching the UW’s livestream here, and follow @uwcherryblossom on Twitter. Be sure to share all of your spring flower photos with us by tagging #k5spring on Instagram and Twitter. 

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