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Tree highlight
This is a notable tree of Fulham Cemetery
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Perhaps the most striking tree in the cemetery, especially when in blossom during April. It is the last veteran remaining of a row of 3, planted in the 1950s.
Still, standing by itself is the best way to appreciate a mature Shirotae cherry, as they are known for their wide spreading habit over 30ft in diameter, with branches dipping low to the ground.
Shirotae flower profusely, with pure white semi-double blossoms spreading overhead and covering the ground. Up close you may be able to detect a subtle almond scent (more easily detectable in the younger specimen near the path.) In autumn the leaves turn a beautiful copper red.
This is also a story of misidentification, because when I first started identifying trees in Fulham Cemetery as an enthusiastic amateur, I mistook it for the Tai Haku "great white" cherry. Both have very large blossoms, but Tai Haku's are single-petalled (see comparison). Tai Haku is famous as the cherry reintroduced to Japan by Collingwood Ingram, who became known as "the Englishman who saved Japan's blossoms". Tai Haku was his favourite, but he also listed Shirotae among the best of the cultivated Japanese cherries.
There are 2 other veteran Shirotae cherries in the north of the cemetery, although I suspect not as old as this one, and another younger one along the principal avenue. In 2024 we planted a further 6 Shirotae cherries, as can be seen in the tree map.
Find out more:
New trees: 6 new Tai Haku cherries have been planted in 2024.
This used to be an avenue of 3 trees. Here you can still see them in 2011
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The Fulham Cemetery Friends added this tree tag to help visitors learn about the cemetery’s interesting trees.
Spotted an error? Feedback or suggestions? [email protected]
See also: How to identify trees [Trees Guide UK]
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