What is the difference between cherry blossoms and peach blossoms? Learn to tell which one blooms first

In spring, flowers bloom in profusion, and cherry blossoms and peach blossoms open in competition, often leaving people hopelessly unable to tell them apart. Although both are highly representative flowers of spring, a closer look reveals clear differences between them in several respects.

In terms of flower form, the tip of a cherry blossom petal has a distinct notch, called a "petal cleft," which is a fairly unique hallmark of cherry blossoms; the petals radiate around the stamens, and the flowers usually form umbel-like clusters, with several opening together.

Peach blossom petals, by contrast, are more rounded and have no obvious notch; a single flower grows on a branch, the flower is relatively larger, and the petals are packed tightly, making it look fuller.

Next, the characteristics of the branches and trunk: the bark of a cherry tree is purplish brown, smooth on the surface and marked with horizontal lines, and the twigs are generally pale purplish brown and fairly smooth.

The bark of a peach tree is dark reddish brown and relatively rough, with many small lenticels, and the twigs are mostly reddish brown or brownish green and feel somewhat rough.

In terms of blooming period and the order of flowering, the two also differ. The blooming period of cherry blossoms is usually slightly later than that of peach blossoms; in the south, cherry blossoms generally open from 3mid-month to late month, while peach blossoms are already in bloom around early 3early month. Cherry blossoms bloom before the leaves appear: when they flower, the whole tree is covered in blossoms with almost no leaves in sight, and only as the flowers are about to fade do the leaves gradually grow out.

Peach blossoms, on the other hand, produce flowers and leaves together, with blossoms and leaves growing at the same time, though the leaves are relatively small and inconspicuous at first.

Besides the differences in appearance, cherry blossoms and peach blossoms also differ in their cultural symbolism. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms symbolize purity, nobility and fleeting beauty. In Chinese culture, peach blossoms signify love and a beautiful life.

So the next time you see cherry blossoms and peach blossoms, why not put these small bits of knowledge to use and appreciate their own unique beauty.