Library of Congress Cherry Trees

In 1912, Tokyo contributed 3,020 Japanese cherry trees to Washington D.C., a gift of enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. The trees were planted mostly in a grove along the Potomac River.

Two venerable trees from this original gift were transplanted to the Library of Congress in 1922. They have flourished ever since on the lawn of the Thomas Jefferson Building. One gnarled trunk leans so precariously that it was given a sturdy crutch, while the other stands tall.

Plaque Text

U.S. CAPITOL GROUNDS
COMMEMORATIVE TREE

PRUNUS X YEDOENSIS 'SOMEI-YOSHINO'
SOMEI YOSHINO CHERRY TREE

ORIGINAL TREE, A GIFT OF
FRIENDSHIP TO THE PEOPLE
OF THE UNITED STATES
FROM THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN IN 1912

Transplanted 1922