
Stumpy lives again.
Clones of the scraggly, beloved cherry blossom tree felled two years ago in the nation’s capital have flowered for the first time this spring, reaching what federal officials described Wednesday as a “pinnacle achievement.”
The U.S. National Arboretum said in a statement that the plant material used to propagate the Yoshino cherry clones was collected in the summer of 2024. It was one of thousands that line the banks of the Tidal Basin reservoir between the Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials.
The new trees are healthy and have put on substantial growth since forming their own root systems, according to the statement. They will remain at a non-public research area until the National Park Service can replant them, perhaps as soon as next spring, the arboretum said.
“It is our hope that the story and spirit of these trees will inspire future generations of cherry tree enthusiasts around the world — deepening cultural connections for years to come,” Richard Olsen, the arboretum’s director, said in a statement included in the release.
Stumpy sat on the banks of the Tidal Basin, near the National Mall. The tree rose to fame in 2020, with a viral Reddit post saying the tree was as dead as the user’s love life — but he still loved it.
With a hollow interior trunk, Stumpy was among 158 trees felled in 2024 as part of a project aimed at shoring up a sea wall near the National Mall.
Speaking to NBC News on the eve of Stumpy’s passing, a tourist compared the tree to the ugly duckling.
“It’s by itself, and it just stands out,” she said.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LATEST POSTS
- 1
‘Democratizing space’ is more than just adding new players – it comes with questions around sustainability and sovereignty - 2
Tech Patterns: Contraptions That Will Shape What's in store - 3
Go on A Careful spending plan: Modest Objections for Your List of must-dos - 4
Volkswagen Just Built a Plug-In Tiguan for China That America Doesn’t Get - 5
The Best 15 Applications for Efficiency and Association
The Most Moving TED Talks You Want to Watch
Science is best communicated through identity and culture – how researchers are ensuring STEM serves their communities
China Just Got Another Cheap EV America Would Love to Have
Truly amazing Palaces: Which Is Your Number one?
Blue Origin's next space tourism flight will break new ground for people with disabilities
Google to Use Natural Gas to Power Massive Data Center in Texas
'The Housemaid' movie with Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried premieres this month. What the stars have said about the psychological thriller.
Burkina Faso forces killed twice as many civilians as jihadists, rights group says
Overhaul Your Rest: Tips for a Serene Evening












