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Shirofugen red bud scales

I was taking a walk under a row of Shirofugen cherry trees when I noticed these petal-shaped things on the sidewalk.

Shirofugen red bud scales

I took a closer look but realized they were obviously not petals.

Shirofugen red bud scales

I examined the cherry tree to determine where they were coming from.

Shirofugen red bud scales

They were bud scales.

(Can you name the other parts of the cherry trees?)

Shirofugen red bud scales

It’s the end of season for Shirofugen. You can notice the cherry blossoms turning from white to pink.

Shirofugen red bud scales

The tree is getting rid of all the unnecessary parts like the bud scales and, soon, the blossoms.

Shirofugen red bud scales

The red bud scales are visible through the pink blossoms and copper leaves of the Shirofugen.

Enjoy the blossoms while you can.

To find out if there are Shirofugen where you live, check out the VCBF cherry blossom viewing map.