‘Takasago’ (Naden cherry). An unusual and exceptionally beautiful cultivar from the mid 18th century Japan. The spreading crown of this Sato-zakura (Japanese village cherry), which is also known locally as Prunus sieboldii, is composed of few long branches with numerous, short side branches from which the beautiful, semi-double, 3.5 to 4 cm diameter, apple-blossom flowers emerge in early to mid-April. This cherry’s tight, clustered flowers unfortunately also increase its susceptibility to disease, and most specimens in Vancouver are badly disfigured. Naden cherry is easily recognized because there are frequently six or more sepals backing each flower, and all developing stems, stalks and leaves are clothed in short, soft hairs.