To visit the Tidal Basin in late March or early April is to walk through a tunnel of ethereal white blossoms, to be transported into the soul of early spring. The Yoshino cherry trees never fail to transfix and amaze a winter-weary populace.
But there is another blooming cherry tree, a later arrival, whose beauty I appreciate more each year. It's the Kwanzan, its blossoms pinker and more vivid than the Yoshino. The Kwanzan have a warmer hue and a more generous, sturdy flower. Fat-fisted, big-hearted —as awe inspiring as their cousin, maybe even more so.
I'm looking at ours right now. I didn't understand what it was when we bought it, thought we'd purchased a Yoshino, and the first year or two was disappointed with its late, scarce bloom. But this year it has come into its own. Right now it's wagging its head in the cool, brilliant sunshine. Look at me, it's saying. Have you ever seen such a sight?
