San Francisco Citizen

Well back in January, people around town were upset about the “cherry trees” starting to bloom, but actually, those were cherry plum trees (Prunus cerasifera, syn. P. divaricata aka Myrobalan). Of course these trees have the word ”cherry” in their name, but they’re a kind of plum nevertheless, known for “early flowering.” Our balmy winter might have encouraged a quick start this season.

But now, the actual, true cherry trees are getting into the act, as seen here in Golden Gate Park a few days back. Click to expand: 

So next month, the cherry groves of San Francisco will look like this:

That will usher in the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival starting April 11, 2009, which will bring in the anime fans to participate in Japantown’s big parade. Elements of the anime contingent will be, as usual, salacious and bizarre.

Thusly:

And thusly:

Enjoy your cherry trees, San Francisco!