‘Ukon’ (turmeric). This vigorous Sato-zakura (Japanese village cherry) has flowers of an unusual yellowish colour. The name alludes to the fact that turmeric (ukon in Japanese) stains yellow whatever it touches. ‘Ukon’ is usually narrow in youth, but eventually forms a broad, rounded crown. It has a robust constitution, large, double flowers in late April and dull coppery leaves that change to deep green before turning orange and red in autumn. The interesting flowers, disease resistance and overall adaptability are some of the reasons why this cultivar is so common on Vancouver’s streets. It has been popular since before 1800 in Japan.
