Article written by Mitchell Oldham.
In our nation’s capital, the annual cherry blossom bloom along the Tidal Basin makes Spring one of the most highly anticipated times of the year and draws thousands. A vista of cherry blossoms in full flower on a sunny day is one of the most spectacular sights imaginable. More and more Chicagoans are becoming aware that its splendor is also available right here along our lakefront.
In 2013, to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, 120 cherry blossom trees were planted in Jackson Park just behind the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the single remaining edifice of that historic cultural showcase. Like Washington DC, most of the trees are adjacent to a body of water and surround the Columbia Basin directly behind the museum.
Since the initial planting just over a decade ago, more trees, flowering in both pink and white, have been added to grow the population, bringing the total now to 190. Trees mature and can bloom generally after five to seven years. The last installation of 20 trees was completed in 2020 and is expected to bloom this year.
According to Dr. Patricia Ward, head scientist at Griffin MSI, cherry blossom buds are extremely delicate and sensitive to wind as well as temperature. That fragility means that consistently robust blooms year after year can’t be assumed. Blooms of the last two years in fact have been less than vigorous.
Currently this year, conditions are pointing to a very strong showing.
Scientists chart blooms in six stages. These measurements are helpful because they give the public an idea when they might want to plan an excursion to see the trees in peak flower. Stage 1 indicates buds are swelling. Stage 6 means the flower is in full bloom. Dr. Ward confirmed flowers can remain in bloom for 6 to 14 days.
According to the Chicago Park District’s most recent assessment updated on April 15, the oldest tree, the “mother tree,” is at Stage 5-6. Most of the other trees are at Stage 4 (buds are opening and the flowers are visible), approaching 5 (many of the buds have opened and have their petals exposed). Most of the white flower trees are still in Stage 2-3 (starting to show signs of opening and open with petals becoming visible).
The park district considers a “beauty of Chicago’s cherry tree blossoms is that they open sequentially per species.”
Because they represent beauty, mortality and renewal, cherry blossoms, or Sakura as they’re known in their native Japanese culture, hold deep symbolic meaning that transfers easily to any society. Spring all over the globe heralds new life. Cherry blossoms in full flower bring their own singularly exquisite sense of renewed vigor and hopeful possibility. More soberly, their brief lifespan reminds us life is short. That knowledge and awareness generate an urge to celebrate life. In cities like Chicago, Washington DC and Tokyo, friends and family come together to stroll among the trees, admire their natural and symbolic beauty, and refortify bonds.
In addition to the primary stands of trees surrounding the Columbia Basin outside the museum’s southern portico, another grove of cherry trees can be found in the Japanese Garden on Wooded Island just south of the museum. Also known as the Osaka Garden or the Garden of the Phoenix, it was established as an expression of friendship and respect between Japan and the United States well over a century ago. It’s a tranquil and idyllic setting any time of year, and it’s considered at its most beautiful when the cherry trees are in bloom.
To avoid crowds in Jackson Park, optimum times to see the trees in bloom are weekday mornings or early afternoons. The Griffin Museum of Science and industry is located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The museum is open daily from 9:30am to 4pm.
Mitchell Oldham, a self-acknowledged culture vulture, has been enjoying writing about Chicago's dynamic arts scene for over a decade.
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